Inward investment agency Locate in Kent has revived its support service to SMEs, offering free expert support to help them through the challenges posed by the lockdown.

The Future Forward business recovery service will last six to eight weeks and help firms across Kent and Medway create a business plan and vision to grow during the year ahead.

All qualifying businesses will receive 12 hours of free consultancy, delivered by a team of Locate in Kent’s business advisors and industry experts who work alongside each company to review key aspects of their business operations – from financial planning and marketing opportunities to digital transformation and skills development.

Gavin Cleary, CEO at Locate in Kent, said: “We launched the Future Forward service at a time when small and medium sized businesses, which form the bedrock of the county’s economy, were finally able to plan ahead. Since then, we have given more than 350 hours of free consultancy, guiding businesses to become more resilient, explore new avenues for growth and invest in future proofing.

"As we now navigate this new national lockdown, it is imperative that businesses continue to gain new skills and access tools needed to achieve desired results and successes in 2021.

“Our 2021 offering has been reinforced with new expert advisors to provide businesses with vital support and advice they need to overcome the challenges they may now be facing, and plan for progress in this new economic landscape.”

For more detail on the Future Forward service, including information on signing up, click here.

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