23.06.2004
The search is on for successful local business people who will inspire and assist the Eastbourne entrepreneurs of the future.
Eastbourne Enterprise Hub is looking for mentors who will play a major role in providing specialist business-to-business advice to high-growth start-ups.
The Merlin project has been launched to recruit mentors with hands-on experience of growing a knowledge or technology-based business. They will provide their professional expertise on a pro bono voluntary basis and in return they will receive a valuable executive personal development package.
Eastbourne Enterprise Hub, a South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) initiative, was launched in May and is one of 20 region-wide centres involved in the mentoring project. The Hub, based in South Street, is devoted to helping business start-ups and offers new businesses an affordable town centre location and support to help entrepreneurs develop an idea into a sustainable business venture.
Hub Director Ray Wynne is hoping the mentoring programme will attract businessmen and women who want to help like-minded individuals.
Potential mentors need to have successful small to medium-sized enterprise experience, good communication skills, be based in the region and willing to provide approximately 20 hours of mentoring a month.
In return they will benefit from a specialist executive programme run in partnership with Merlin partner FWM LeaderShape. The company was set up over 10 years ago to focus on the development of business leaders and is now widely recognised as a leader in coaching and mentoring. The training will include a two and a half day induction, five one-day peer group meetings, one to one coaching and a structured follow-up work and reading programme.
Merlin is being co-ordinated by Finance South East (www.financesoutheast.com), the not-for-profit organisation that gives advice on financial support for growth orientated businesses in the region and the project is co-financed by SEEDA and the European Social Fund.
Project co-ordinator Beverley Scott said it had got off to a very successful start on a region-wide basis with six mentors recruited in the first month who will be attending the first induction programme commencing on June 22. She said they are actively trying to attract businessmen and women from the Eastbourne area who are interested in becoming mentors to support their local Hub.
"We are looking for very successful business people who have had experience in many different sectors and have run their own companies," she said. "They will not be looking for financial gain, but a genuine desire to help others. Although we are asking for a lot they will be getting a very valuable skill in return."
For more information about the Merlin project contact Eastbourne Enterprise Hub Director Ray Wynne on 01323 433140.
For further information contact: Jeannine Williamson, Tim Cobb Associates, Tel: 01323 416999
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton, 01273 643022
