Slough Borough Council has appointed business savings and support experts Place Support Partnership (PSP) to deliver a Business Cost Reduction Project to micro and SME businesses across the borough.

Launching on Monday 3 February, the purpose of the business costs savings service, using UKSPF funding, is to:

•    support businesses to make informed cost-reduction and savings decisions
•    deliver an outreach programme to local businesses.

This will include free advice and training on how to achieve the best value for money on essential services like electricity, gas, telecoms, merchant fees, insurance and water.

There will be a launch event for businesses at Metro Bank, Farnham Road, on Monday 3 February, from 10am-12noon. It is a drop-in format.

A total of £20,000 of UKSPF funding is being used for the pilot project, which will run until 31 March.

Throughout the pilot, PSP will provide cost saving proposals to a minimum of 50 businesses, and they will be engaging with businesses across the borough.

Councillor Dexter Smith, leader of the council and lead member for economic development, said: “This initiative will allow the council to deliver more business support, achieve cost efficiencies and utilise the expertise of a delivery provider, who have experience in delivering cost savings programmes and one to one support that would meet this provision gap.

“Small businesses are an important part of our economy and any support we can give them to reduce their costs is welcomed. There is a limit to the numbers this initiative can support, so if you have a small business, get in touch soon to see if your business can benefit.”

Rishi Sood, CEO & Founder at Place Support Partnership, said: “We are delighted to work alongside Slough Borough Council to help the local businesses. During a cost-of-doing-business crisis there is no better time for businesses to review their costs and access expert advice, tailored to them, to become more cost efficient.”

If you run a micro (fewer than 50 employees) or small independent business in Slough, contact the PSP for more information on the scheme, including details on eligibility and how to apply.

Call 0333 0156 288, email info@placesupportpartnership.com or visit the PSP website.