The Live Hebrides advice service, launched only one year ago, have to date worked with over 200 businesses throughout the Outer Hebrides from a wide range of sectors.
Live Hebrides is funded by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and European Regional Development Funding which means the team are able to offer free impartial advice to organisations in the region.
Since the launch in July 2009 the small team have not only successfully implemented a 1-1 advice service, but have delivered a series of workshops, drop in surgeries, seminars and have even hosted their own radio show offering advise and raising awareness on the benefits of broadband for businesses.
The most recent success has been a series of seminars, supported by Business Gateway. The seminars have focused on a vital operation within all business; Accounting.
Live Hebrides advisers identified a pattern emerging within small businesses they were engaging with and believed there was a real need for some practical support to help businesses become more efficient when it comes to their accounts.
“Outer Hebrides”
The team approached local accountants who were all keen to become involved and support the development of the seminars.
The seminars were fully subscribed within days of being advertised; showing the enthusiasm from business owners to learn more about how broadband can support such a critical business function.
CIB Services played a key role in the first round of seminars, attending both the Stornoway and Uist events.
Allan MacAskill from CIB Services commented:
“The two days spent on this project not only assisted local businesses but gave us an insight into the opportunity of ICT and accounting and the development potential across business sectors. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience!”
The Live Hebrides team are working with a number of accountancy firms to offer further workshops and seminars in the Autumn in conjunction with Business Gateway.
The service, which continues to go from strength to strength, hopes to assist in a future e-skills pilot project as well as continuing to offer advice and guidance to organisations in the Outer Hebrides.
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