BRADFORD Council has extended its Covid-19 small business support programme.

The Bradford District Microbusiness Support scheme, a free initiative designed to help manage the challenges presented by Covid-19, will now run until the end of January.

The scheme will continue to offer bespoke advice and support through telephone one-to-ones with experts from a local business consultancy, Insight with Passion.

The Bradford District Microbusiness Support has proved to be invaluable for many small businesses across the district, helping to enhance their online marketing, social media, customer service, and staff wellbeing.

Over 200 small businesses have been supported through the free initiative which was launched in November.

Since this time, 80 bespoke one-to-one sessions have been delivered free to the local firms.

Business experts have run seven online workshops covering topics such as small business finances, business resilience, customer service, branding and collaboration.

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A dedicated website will continue to feature useful information, tips and resources on government support, finance, marketing and human resources, along with details of other sources of business support.

Bookings for one-to-one calls are available any day of the week, including evenings and weekends to ensure as many businesses as possible can access the support.

Advisors are available with business advice and solutions, in addition to supporting the wellbeing of small business owners and providing moral support.

Bradford District Microbusiness Support has been funded and commissioned by Bradford Council and run by Insight with Passion, the business transformation experts.

Insight with Passion works across the UK and internationally, supporting clients in retail, manufacturing, hospitality and travel, with leading consumer insight and strategic advice.

Bradford district small businesses can request one-to-one support by visiting www.mybusinessbradford.info or calling 07909 171771 to book a call.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Bradford Council has also supported local businesses with over £200m of business grants and offers advice and support through its economic development wing, Invest In Bradford.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “We are very pleased to extend this valuable service which so many local firms have already benefited from.

“The service has helped hundreds of local firms to adapt to changing consumer patterns, enhance their digital and online skills, and fine-tune their customer service.

“Things are clearly improving but significant challenges remain so the Bradford District Microbusiness Support scheme will now run into early 2022.

“This will provide local firms with a strong platform to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the local economic recovery.”