Lancashire businesses to get the inside story from UK’s top business experts

A new free online resource has been launched which offers support and guidance to growing Pendle businesses from some of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs and businesspeople.

The Inside Track has been developed by Nelson-based firm, Daisy Group plc, to cater for the growing demand from the business community for cross-industry information and guidance, and in line with the CBI’s (Confederation of British Industry) commitment to drive business growth.

The one-stop-shop resource incorporates helpful pointers on a range of business topics from management and leadership, to technology and communications guidance.

The online platform features a range of business-centric articles from Daisy experts, including serial entrepreneur and chief executive officer, Matthew Riley.

Guest contributors include: Patrick Gallagher, chief executive of CitySprint; Steve Smith, founder of the multi-million pound retail chain, Poundland; and Neil Westwood, one of Dragon’s Den’s biggest success stories and founder of Magic Whiteboard.

Award-winning entrepreneurs like Zoe Jackson, London ambassador for Sir Richard Branson’s ‘Start Up Loans’ scheme and founder of Living the Dream have submitted blog articles, as have people from key industry associations including the British Franchising Association and the Chartered Institute of Personal Development.

Daisy is also working with its own customers to share best business practice and suggestions through The Inside Track.

Daisy Group’s marketing director, Kate O’Brien said: “Small and medium-sized businesses are critical to the UK’s economic growth, and research has shown that the more ‘clued-up’ businesses are, particularly during the first few years of trading, the more likely they are to thrive and grow.

“Daisy has an incredibly broad client base so we are in a perfect position to help businesses get to grips with the issues that can affect them, whether that relates to communications, IT or business management.

“The CBI shares our commitment to drive business growth so we are working together to foster a supportive and better informed business community.”

Daisy has formed a close relationship with business lobbying group the CBI and supports its drive for more help to be given to businesses to support their growth into mid-sized enterprises. John Cridland, director-general of the CBI, said: “Medium-sized businesses have some of the most potential to grow and create new jobs but to achieve that growth they often face new challenges, including around technology, financing, and exporting. These firms are time-pressed and don’t always have the resources to go to consultants, so Daisy’s business support hub will be a valuable platform where they can learn from the experiences of fellow business people.”