Mission Statement

To provide a Business Advisory and Training Service of the Highest Standard to prospective, new and existing micro businesses in North Staffordshire through counselling and training with the objective of:

1. Encouraging a successful and thriving small business community.

2. Creating and improving jobs in our catchment area through the establishment of these new businesses.

3. Raising the level of economic activity of the area through the creation of new and non traditional enterprises by working in partnership with other major organisations in the County.

Maintaining Quality Systems that ensure our clients receive services that are constantly reliable, effective, independent and professional. This involves every member of staff being committed to the delivery of a quality service.

History

Business Initiative is a local Enterprise Agency and was formed in 1981 by leading companies in North Staffordshire, to encourage and assist the establishment and expansion of viable small businesses.

Officially launched in November 1981 by the Minister for the Department of the Environment, the Rt. Hon. Michael Heseltine MP, the Agency is registered as an approved Enterprise Agency under the terms of Section 48(4) of the Finance Act 1982, Part 3.

Business Initiative forms part of the North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry but is administered by its own, separate, Management Committee.

Our aim is to offer a professional business advisory service of the highest quality. To this end we are supported by dedicated staff, both full-time and part-time and the Management Committee chaired by Mr. George Stonier previously a Senior Executive at Wedgewood. In addition we are privileged to have the backing of a loyal panel of sponsors, many of whom have supported the Agency from its inception, not only with cash, benefits in kind and seconded staff, but with practical help for our clients when required. ( Delete rest)

Business Initiative has over the past 26 years sought to continually raise its profile and credibility, and its influence in the local community continues to grow. We endeavour to raise the profile of small businesses generally whenever possible, and to promote self-employment as a viable option to employment.

We want to be recognised as a centre of excellence geared to providing our clients (delete business planning) with a quality service and we are registered ISO9001, Investor in People and Matrix accreditations.

The Agency has offices at Festival Park - at Commerce House where we offer business advice through trained business advisors. Delete rest.

The Agency also owns a training centre and workspace studios at Building 103, Campbell Road, Stoke with a dedicated Resource Centre with 6 networked Personal Computers and facilities to train (delete) on accounting packages etc, alongside a dedicated training suite where the general courses are run.