Mentoring Worcestershire: Empowering Entrepreneurs to Thrive

By pairing business owners with experienced mentors, the programme helps participants unlock their potential and drive success.

Rupert Detheridge, a chartered surveyor and founder of Falque Land & Property, is one of many entrepreneurs who has benefited from Worcestershire County Council’s business support initiatives. After receiving initial guidance from the Enterprising Worcestershire programme, Rupert was introduced to the Mentoring Worcestershire scheme, which helped him further develop his strategies and achieve greater success in his field.

Rupert Detheridge, Director of Falque Land & Property, commented on the impact of the mentoring: “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.”

Councillor Adam Kent, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills at Worcestershire County Council, praised the Mentoring Worcestershire Programme, saying: "Supporting local businesses is a key priority for the Council, and the Mentoring Worcestershire Programme is an example how we’re helping entrepreneurs like Rupert to overcome challenges and grow their businesses. 

“By offering tailored guidance and support, we’re fostering an environment where small businesses can thrive and contribute to the local economy. We are proud of the success stories that have emerged and encourage more business owners to take advantage of this vital initiative.”

Steve Ennis from Business Doctors Franchising Ltd, who served as Rupert’s mentor, added: “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, from coaching and workshops to networking and skill development, all aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs to achieve sustainable success.

To learn more about the support available or to sign up for the newsletter and stay informed about new opportunities, visit Worcestershire County Council's business support page.