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Obviously, the past year has been a particular challenge for companies. One of the many advantages of having a smaller business is the ability to adapt – and do it relatively quickly.

Fortunately, there is help on offer. In addition to day-to-day services, the Business & IP Center (BIPC) Norfolk, operated by the Norfolk Library & Information Service, offers a free online business support program that will help transform, future-proof and grow your business.

Julie Cleminson, BIPC coordinator at the Millennium Library
– Photo credit: Julian Claxton / Norfolk County Council

Open to all business owners, especially in the first few years of trading, reset. Restart offers hands-on, slang training and advice through a bespoke program that combines national and local support.

Reset the core. The restart program includes a series of 10 monthly webinars hosted by the British Library’s BIPC nationally on: Opportunities in the “New Normal”, Product and Service Innovation, Marketing, Finance and New Business Models. Find out more and book at www.bl.uk/reset

On site, BIPC Norfolk offers a range of one-on-one support sessions, workshops and networking opportunities offered by MENTA business consultants.

Here’s an overview of what to expect from your reset. Restart the program.

One-to-one support
When you dive into your own business, it’s easy to lose perspective. Taking advice from people who understand the business and have been there and done it themselves will help you focus better.

During this two hour online session, you will review your entire business proposition and discuss how it can be reconsidered or repositioned in light of Covid-19. To do this, use the Business Model Canvas to identify specific areas and focus on specific areas that are cause for concern and progress

After the session, you will receive a summary with recommendations and further pointers to the available support.

BIPC Norfolk is located on the second floor of the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library in the city center
– Photo credit: Julian Claxton / Norfolk County Council

Workshops
Each online workshop has a different topic. Under “Building Customer Relationships” you will learn tips and techniques with which you can put the customer at the center of your actions. Looking at the numbers can help you take a step back and reevaluate whether you are doing things most efficiently. With ‘Your Business Roadmap’, our experts will help you see things differently and revise your plans accordingly.

Networking
In these unprecedented times, the virtual network has become something of a lifeline. Sharing ideas and frustrations can be very liberating and can help alleviate the feeling of loneliness that comes with working independently.

In these one-hour, facilitated network sessions, you will be introduced to the MENTA management consultants and given an overview of the reset. Restart the program and meet other participants.

To book one of the resets. Restart the sessions and go to bipcnorfolk.eventbrite.com

As well as resetting. BIPC Norfolk offers online sessions on a wide variety of other business topics – from legal and accounting advice to protecting your ideas. There is also access to online market reports, company data, business publications and a database of external funding opportunities.

Many people have had to pause or rethink their business due to the pandemic. Norwich based magician David Fung started his business with help from BIPC Norfolk in 2018.

Norwich based magician David Fung started his business with help from BIPC Norfolk in 2018
– Photo credit: David Fung

“My business has been put on hold due to the lack of live events and uncertainty about when things will get back to some kind of ‘normal’,” he says of his experience. “During that time I did some small consulting work on magic, as well as task management, event postponement, and developing magic for an online performance.

“BIPC’s support as part of the wider Norfolk business community has been invaluable to me as I grow through learning and managing business challenges, especially during this uncertain time.

“I love the fact that BIPC Norfolk is so approachable, approachable and friendly that it is easier to come back to when I need more advice or support at such a crucial time in my business.”

Regardless of your company, you can find support in your library at www.norfolk.gov.uk/bipcnorfolk