Pictured above: Alistair Hayward-Wright committed to helping new business

Starting a business is never an easy prospect - even more so given the current economic climate - but help could be at hand for businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Redditch-based accountants Hayward Wright has teamed up with the Hereford & Worcester Chamber of Commerce to create a special support network for new businesses in the area.

The idea behind the project is to give potential entrepreneurs or new businesses access to a range of knowledge, information and advice that are critical in the first two years of business. It will also allow bosses access to a range of mentors and networks.

It is hoped visitors will benefit from practical advice and tips. The first meeting will be advising how to put a realistic business plan together, what the banks are looking for in a business plan and how to keep to it. 

Hayward Wright and the Hereford and Worcester Chamber of Commerce hope the project will increase the survival rate of new businesses. It is hoped in the long term to have bi-monthly meetings, covering everything from PR and advertising, using social media, networking, HR plus other topics.

Alistair Hayward-Wright, spokesman for Hayward Wright, said: "At Hayward Wright we have always wanted to help new start up businesses with practical help and guidance to give them the best chance of survival and we realise that new businesses as well as existing ones are the way forward to helping the economy."

Speakers will be mainly selected from the Chamber Member Network. Among highlights of the first meeting will be advice from Hayward Wright on how to provide a business plan, the benefits of a plan and keeping it simple. Other speakers include Rather Innovative, George Mackinson, from the Community Development Funding Institution (CDFI), talking about the benefits of mixed funding and legal advice from Thursfields.

The first 'Start to Grow' forum is on March 29, at Worcester Cricket Club, from 4.30pm to 7pm.