ACT network calls for fresh approach to business support

Online, October 6, 2009 (Newswire.com) - Enterprise support professionals from around the country are calling for a fresh approach to supporting new business start ups, having highlighted increased demand for their start-up services from people with professional, managerial and executive backgrounds.

ACT, the network for enterprise support professionals, has recently held a series of consultation events in different regions of the UK attended by a wide variety of sector professionals. All reported a substantial increase in levels of start up activity - and whilst this is only to be expected in the current climate, the new factor identified in this recessionary cycle is the mix of clients coming forward. These new 'enterprise-ready entrepreneurs' are not just looking for information, but the opportunity to build a supportive relationship with an adviser and mentor, who can provide the guidance, feedback and encouragement they seek.

Speaking about this newly identified group of entrepreneurs, Robert Ashton, an ACT member and business adviser, speaker and author of recently published book 'How to Start Your Business' said "I'm meeting more and more people with both big ideas and big brains. They're articulate, able, and ambitious. They're demanding advisers with the same level of get up and go. Unfortunately they're not easy to find!'"

Also commenting on the issue, George Derbyshire, Chief Executive of NFEA, the organisation that manages the ACT network, added: "There are some excellent business start-up resources available online, but it is fascinating to see that this new generation of more experienced and better educated would-be entrepreneurs is still looking for business support with a human face."

ACT is calling for these 'enterprise ready entrepreneurs' to be readily identified and fast tracked to a new business advice and mentoring network.