New scheme 'give firms best chance of success'

Date: 26/10/2011

A new scheme could provide a welcome boost to businesses that are purchasing 0800 phone numbers and beginning to establish themselves in the market.

Dragons' Den investor and successful entrepreneur Deborah Meadon said it is important to offer fledgling firms as much support as possible in the current economic climate.

She believes the new Local Business Accelerator Scheme does just that thanks to its combination of company mentoring and provision of advertising campaigns.

"It is really valuable stuff and very targeted, so local businesses [are] targeted to the local customer," Ms Meadon commented, adding that it will give them a voice with which to reach consumers.

New 0800 phone numbers could perfectly complement such marketing campaigns, as they are free to call from landlines and may encourage potential clients to get in touch.

Ms Meadon added the initiative encourages organisations to "contact, network and make sure they are doing the right thing".