I contacted NKDC approximately two and a half years ago asking for business advice and support. I was delighted to find that unlike other areas NKDC have a wealth of help and advice they can offer individuals looking to become self employed or set up a business. I have contacted other channels for advice and drawn a blank so I was so relieved to hear that NKDC had a specialist adviser called Phil Means on hand to assist, furthermore I was offered as much or as little support as needed, so if I needed practical advice and help with setting up business that would be catered for or if I simply had queries relating to just one area of business advice such as accounting or tax and national insurance that would be addressed.

I contacted Phil and made an appointment to meet! Phil was great and easy to talk to, actually we talked for hours and I learnt so much! At first I was at the stage where I was bouncing my ideas about and Phil helped me hugely to refine and focus my ideas with his practical brain! Since that time to the present date, Phil has been an absolute necessity in my business development and I feel that his positive regard and advice to help me succeed in business has been invaluable and I am grateful to NKDC for the fact that they provide this exceptional service for the community and Phil with his extensive business knowledge and skills.

I know I can rely on Phil to steer me in the right direction and I completely trust his advice and business integrity and after all this time I feel that thanks to Phil and NKDC I have been able to turn my dream of running a business into a reality and I’ve made a trusted friend! Thank you Phil and NKDC!

Amelia Bailey, Tilly’s Tea & Gift Shop
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I initially got in contact with Phil Means after a friend had received similar assistance in Newark, so through her recommendation I looked to see what support North Kesteven District Council offer. That’s when I discovered Phil Means and his role as Business Support Adviser. I reached out to Phil mainly for an outside opinion and advice on my business so I could really understand whether my idea was viable and could become a business.

Phil helped in creating a plan and formulating my ideas helping in different areas to visualise my idea and how this could become a business whilst also assisting with the forecast and figures all of which combined helped start my business and turn what was an initial idea into a business. After sitting down with Phil we looked at ideas to start to pull everything together. Phil massively helped me with the numbers, he understood the calculations and how I would calculate the average spend of a customer this definitely being an area I was struggling in. Following this he asked me to consider three key steps for my business specifically to create a plan, of which focused on different areas that I would have perhaps overlooked otherwise.

Another aspect of the process that Phil helped in was suggesting I carry out research as he felt this would give me a better understanding of my desired audience and how my new offering would be received. Throughout the process support mechanisms were brought to my attention that I otherwise would not have known about, this is also the case with regards to start up loans, and grants that were available to me and which were suitable specifically to my business. Without his knowledge in this area these opportunities would have been missed and with the start-up loan I would have just got a business one instead which would have definitely been a missed opportunity.

Phil’s support wasn’t limited to his individual offerings but he also put me in contact with the right contacts such as a member of the planning team at the council, as we started to look for units for my business it became apparent there would be some issues as it was difficult to find a match as we faced issues with usage of the units. However despite facing complications both the planning team and Phil helped to find a solution to the problem and in the end I found a suitable unit for my business.

I think without Phil Means and his support I would really question whether my business would have happened at all, because I wanted to do this two years ago so it is definitely thanks to his support that I was able to execute my idea and turn it into a business. I would definitely advice any business to contact Phil, specifically if you are new to being self-employed then I think he would be a huge support for sure.

I am still in contact with Phil we have an ongoing relationship and I know there is no deadline for the support offered, he said to just contact him if in need of any support he’s only an email away and he’s even popped in a few times just to see how things are going with the business.

I also have future plans to develop the unit and the business, and for these areas I am still working with Phil on my new ideas and again he is providing me contacts to access my future plans before going forward with any work.

Dena Field, Delightful Hair & Beauty
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I have been self employed all my working life and after a total change in career over 9 years ago, I was lucky enough to take over a successful business in catering. Approximately 6 months ago, when my business had been struggling for a while, I was introduced to Phil Means, Business Advisor at NKDC.

His knowledge and advice has made me feel much more positive about the future. Also, his suggestion regarding a new project as a ‘back- up’ plan was initially daunting but after each meeting with him, his encouragement and support made me realise that nothing is impossible with the right help and we are moving forward with this new venture. As a small business, I have often thought there isn’t any support for people like me but Phil has proven me wrong. From pointing me in the right direction for information, to assisting with filling in daunting forms,

Phil is first class. I would definitely recommend that anyone searching for advice and support in business contacts Phil, sooner rather than later

Jayne Wilkinson, Jayne’s Pantry
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I was given Phil’s details by a fellow small business owner and despite her singing Phil’s praises I went into my first meeting not entirely sure how he could help with my new business. An hour and a half later and I’d been blown away by our discussion and the suggestions Phil made. I’ve subsequently gone back and reviewed my business plan and with Phil’s help I’m dreaming bigger than I ever thought possible. I feel re-energised about my business and with Phil’s help I’ve got an action plan to grow and develop.

I can’t recommend Phil enough – he’s thoughtful, understanding, insightful and supportive. Thank you Phil and NKDC for providing this wonderful service!

Natalie Walker, Toastworthy Events
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