The Mentoring Worcestershire Programme provides invaluable support to local entrepreneurs, pairing business owners with experienced mentors to help them overcome challenges, build confidence, and refine their business strategies.

Rupert Detheridge, a chartered surveyor and founder of Falque Land & Property, is one of many local entrepreneurs who have benefited from Worcestershire County Council’s business support initiatives. After receiving initial support from the Enterprising Worcestershire programme and working with a business coach from Real World Consultancy, Rupert was introduced to the Mentoring Worcestershire scheme by the Council. Through the support he received, Rupert was able to further develop his business strategies, ultimately leading to greater success in his field.

How has the mentoring helped you

“The mentoring came at the right time. When you work for yourself there's a big issue around accountability and motivation. Steve provided that accountability and general day to day support, when things were hard, I could just pick up the phone to him and he could talk it through. Telling me what to ask and how to structure meetings he's helping me to suggest other avenues to find work. 

“I think out of all of this he has raised my confidence and just been there for me when the start of my third year of business was proving to be both daunting and worrying.  He is an incredibly kind and approachable person and a total credit to Mentoring Worcestershire.”

From a mentor’s perspective Steve Ennis Business Doctors Franchising Ltd remarked: “I really enjoyed working with Rupert Detheridge of Falque Land & Property. I find many business owners who are sole traders just need an ear for someone to bounce off.  Rupert knew exactly what he needed to do to get his business moving in the direction he wanted, all he needed was someone to share his thoughts with, which in turn gave him the confidence to press ahead with his plans and see them come to fruition.

“Twelve months on and I’m delighted that Rupert now has a burgeoning pipeline of clients, a reinvented marketing strategy and most satisfying of all, the confidence that he knows he is on the right track. Congratulations to the team at Worcestershire County Council for providing this vital service to business owners in the Worcester community.”

Worcestershire County Council offers a range of business support initiatives to support small local businesses and entrepreneurs, all aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs to achieve sustainable success. From coaching and workshops to networking to improve skills in marketing, planning, and business development, these initiatives empower local businesses to grow, explore new opportunities, and achieve sustainable success.

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