Leeds Chamber launches mentoring panel offering help to businesses

Sept. 21, 2011 - PRLog -- The Chamber has assembled a team of ten prominent business figures with experience across a range of industries and sectors.

Representatives from Yorkshire’s businesses are being invited to ‘Meet the Mentors’ at a free event on 26 September at Oulton Hall in Leeds between 4 and 7.30pm.

They will be given the opportunity to meet the panel members, which includes Peter Slevin, who has founded, grown and disposed of businesses operating in apparel fashion, manufacturing, capital machinery, business-to-business consultancy, fitness, hospitality, leisure and design.

With international business experience gained in over 50 countries, he is currently MD of Delta Business Development, a commercial business support organisation that provides specialist leadership and business development training on behalf universities. It also supports the senior management teams of private companies internationally to maximise business valuation and become “investor ready”.

Mr Slevin said: “Irrespective of the size or stage of their business, leaders are continuously required to make a great many decisions and every one of these will eventually impact upon their organisation and its performance.

“At its simplest engagement level, mentoring provides business leaders with a confidential platform to openly discuss their position, thoughts, instinct and plans before they finalise these important business decisions.”

Brian Allmey, co-founder of the Yorkshire Business Development Group and an associate member of YABA (Yorkshire Association of Business Angels) is also a member of the panel as well as Peter Watson, who has advised a variety of companies in food, engineering, software, renewable energy, bathroom equipment, jewellery, clothing, PR, printing and aviation.

He is a member of two business angel funding groups and last year was appointed to the Coalition Government’s Advisory Group on Mentoring.

Darren Shaw, head of membership at the Chamber, commented: “Whenever you need to make an important decision, it is always useful if you could have someone to talk to – someone who could take an objective and independent view and yet was experienced and reliable, and determined to act in your best interests.

“Our understanding is that businesses that use external advisers are 50% more likely to be looking to grow than those that didn’t *. The Chamber has recognised that businesses often need this kind of outside advice and has set up the service to give the one to one guidance which people often need.”

To book a place at the event contact 01904 567 838 or email  events@yourchamber.org.uk

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