A BUSINESS consultant has some reassuring news for companies in the current econonomic climate.

“As in previous recessions some 80 per cent of businesses will survive this one,” said Peter Robinson of ActionCOACH. He added that Warren Buffet, Richard Branson and Alan Sugar all started building their fortunes in a recession.

Some general facts:

• Although credit is not as freely available as before, banks are lending about as much as they did last year. However, access to security and projections of increased turnover and increased profit are less important. The banks’ focus now is effective cash flow management and the ability to repay, without having recourse to the borrower’s security.



• Most businesses are now beginning to learn how to survive the recession and to deploy the strategies needed to set themselves up to thrive in the recovery.


Some facts about Henley:


• Significant investments in Henley have been announced by several heavyweights in the retail sector — Laura Ashley, Sainsbury’s and Raymond Blanc. The attraction of new shoppers to Henley cannot be overestimated.



• Henley and the surrounding area remains a major tourist attraction. The festival programme has been announced and Katherine Jenkins will headline again. Jools Holland will be at Stonor in the summer.
  
  You may have seen the report of a plan by Hidden Heritage to market Henley through a major cruise line in Florida and reach a similar agreement with a New York tour operator.



• The leadership of the Henley Partnership and, particularly, the commercial group, has been completely refreshed. The resultant programmes for improving the economic and commercial well-being of the area are hard-nosed and substantial.
  
  Through project teams, the commercial group is addressing subjects such as parking, traffic flow, residents’ amenities and attracting new businesses.
  
  Barbara Richardson, chairwoman of the commercial group, has also negotiated a special business coaching offer with the aim of improving the business performance of existing local enterprises.
  
  These programmes focus on the deployment of strategies which enhance retail footfall, business leads and sales. Businesses within a 10-15 mile radius of Henley are eligible for the offer. The offer is for a free, no obligation business coaching session with the business leader or owner lasting between 60 and 90 minutes. Should it be decided that a continuing coaching programme is appropriate then a full strategy alignment consultation is conducted, also at no charge. A discount of 25 per cent is applied to the regular monthly coaching fees thereafter.



• Peter Robinson, local licensed business coach, is conducting free coaching sessions throughout the area under this plan and several businesses have signed up for the discounted coaching programme. If you want to be part of the recovery and have a free business coaching session, email Peter at peterrobinson@actioncoach.com, or call him on (01491) 641103. For a free business health check, go to www.actioncoach.com/peterrobinson.