FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
CONSULTANCY:
How much will it cost ?
LBC work on a number of schemes that sometimes mean that our fees may be paid in full or in part by a third party funding organisation such as the Welsh Assembly Government. Where a client is eligible for such schemes LBC will advise the client of the pro’s and con’s of going for such funding support. In the event that a client is not eligible for any schemes or chooses not to pursue a scheme because of the scheme’s restrictions we will clearly state our fee charges to you before any work is undertaken.
It is important to note that LBC is a private sector business, we are not a publically funded body. We are professional, private business consultants with real business experience and a track record in offering advice that achieves real results. We get paid when we have done the work. All clients get the same professional approach and quality of work irrespective of how their requirement is funded.
What Business Support grants are available ?
There are a number of grant schemes ranging from those aimed at pre-start / start up companies to well established companies. Schemes are usually aimed at creating / safeguarding jobs and increasing turnover and can be used to either fund a specific business development or to help a business that may be struggling. Some schemes are non business sector specific whilst others are. The support picture changes weekly so please speak to us for up to date information.
What other grant schemes are there?
There is still in South and West Wales many “grant/business support” schemes available. Many are sector specific, ie support manufacturing or IT or the environment whilst others can be used to assist with employment of staff or the purchase of capital machinery. There are also schemes which are aimed at particular sectors such as Tourism, Agrifood and Biotechnology, for example. We are familiar with most, if not all schemes, and would advise you of the bidding process and eligibility criteria.
Am I grant eligible ?
Grant schemes are constantly changing depending on what kind of business or sector Welsh Assembly Government and the EU in Brussels is trying to promote. Most schemes are time bound, ie they have to be bid for and drawn down by a certain time. Eligibility for grant can be influenced by factors such as your location, age, sex, industry sector, items of expenditure (eg equipment or labour costs), amount of grant previously awarded to you and so on. It can be complex determining eligibility but part of our service is to help clarify this with you early on. Please remember, however, that all grant awards are discretionary. They are not guaranteed. All awards come with requirements that you as a business have to commit to.
A good pointer is if your business requires additional funding to develop the business so that it will create / safeguard jobs and increase turnover then there is a good likelihood that some funding may be available.
Remember that LBC works on a number of funded schemes that allow our fees to be sometimes paid or subsidised by someone else This in itself is a grant!!
Can LBC help start up businesses ?
Yes. As well as offering private consultancy help LBC also works on the Graduate to Enterprise scheme (G2E) with Jeremy Bowen Rees acting as the business mentor at Pembrokeshire college, and covering Pembrokeshire. This allows individuals that have carried out some kind of education or training in the last three years to receive up to one year’s pre-start and one year’s post-start mentoring. As well as offering Jeremy’s time and experience for free there are also grant funds available through this scheme for things like setting up a web site or devising terms of business, for example.
Can LBC help existing businesses ?
Yes. As well as private consultancy LBC works on a number of different funded schemes allowing businesses to gain consultancy help free or at a subsidised rate. This help can be used to identify potential funding sources and produce business and financials plans in order to apply for these or help to improve business strategies or functions in order to help make the business more efficient and effective.
Why do I need consultancy help ?
Common business problems that most established companies face include:
Not being able to take a step back and analyse their business objectively
Knowing where improvements can be made but never getting round to implementing them due to lack of time or being able to prioritise. Most business’ focus on the here and now but not enough plan for the future. If you don’t know where you are going you will get there. Landsker can help with this process by offering an independent and giving you the structure and space to see things differently.
Being uncertain how to fund a project and whether they are eligible for grant or low interest or interest free loan support.. Identifying your eligible for help is one thing you then have to navigate the various hoops and hurdles to get that support. That process can be time consuming and very frustrating. Landsker would advise you on your eligibility and the pros and cons of going for third party support
Why use Landsker Business Consultancy ?
Landsker is not a public sector body that is supported itself by the Welsh Assembly Government or direct grants. We are a private sector business. We understand what private sector businesses have to do to succeed because we face the same dilemmas like winning customers, having good Cashflow, planning our future, recruiting staff, marketing our services and so on. We pride ourselves on being professional. Every single customer and enquiry to us is very important and will be given the best help possible. We know that reputation is very important in South West Wales. The best way to preserve and enhance it is to deliver benefits to our customers. If we do not think we can help you we will say. We won’t waste your time. We believe that the “proof is in the pudding”. Try us.
What is the strategic partner program ?
The LBC Strategic Partnership programme has been created as Landsker can only assist its clients so much; often professional intervention from other sectors is required. If a client does not have its own contacts in these areas then we can help by referring them to those with proven and relevant expertise. No money exchanges hands. There is no incentive. We have chosen these strategic partners because they are good at their job and look after their clients. That is good enough for us. However, if you are unhappy about an introduction we make please, please let us know.
Can I become a strategic partner ?
LBC selects its strategic partners on a strictly invitation basis only. It is essential to our integrity and the integrity of the other strategic partners that only companies that offer professional customer facing services are included within this network. Landsker normally approaches companies that have been recommended to us over a period of time or we have learnt that they do a good job. However, if you would be interested in strategic partnership in the future please forward your details to us as a first step in this process.
BUSINESS CENTRE:
Where is LBC ?
Landsker Business Centre is located on the Pembrokeshire / Carmarthenshire border just outside of Whitland (less than one mile), on the road to Tavernspite. We are right at the centre of Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire. Please see the ‘Find Us’ page on this site for more detailed directions.
What is Hot Desking ?
This is where you come into Landsker Business Centre and use our PC’s, Internet Connection, Printing facilities etc on a short term, ad hoc or one off basis. Could be for one hour or half a day. Many small business owners who work from home, or spend a lot of time driving around, use Landsker on a regular basis as a place to work because of its professional atmosphere and facilities. It proves very popular in school holidays and many have remarked how productive they are working in our environment away from the normal distractions.
Can I use LBC as a virtual office ?
LBC offers both mail holding / forwarding services as well as telephone answering / messaging service. Please contact us for more information on these services and the costs involved. However, please note you cannot and must not use us as your registered office address.
Does LBC have meeting facilities ?
LBC has versatile meeting areas for a maximum of 15 with modern IT and presentation equipment and a range of catering provided if required..As well as the formal meeting room (set in a traditional stone built outbuilding in the grounds of the centre) you can meet clients on a one to one basis at one of our hot desk work stations if you prefer.
Can I use my own laptop computer ?
Yes, you can connect to our 8Meg broadband and use our networked priniting facilities if you wish. You can also connect wirelessly through our encrypted WIFI system. This gives you operating security.
How much does it cost ?
The sheer variety of the services offered by LBC makes it difficult to publish a definitive price list. Please contact us by e-mail or phone and we will be happy to quote for the services that you require. It is important to note that we are very competitive with price even though there is little local competition!! For instance, hot desking is charged at just £2.50 per hour.