About Jersey Business Venture
JBV was established in 1985, when it was run on a voluntary basis with various individuals giving up a couple of hours each week to advise potential new business. No follow up work was possible nor telephone contacts, except through the Chamber of Commerce who co-ordinated appointments.
In 1994, the Trade & Industries Committee agreed an annual grant to fund the one-stop shop and an Executive Director. Contacts since that time have grown year on year, with total contacts climbing from 782 in 1994 to over 2,358 in 2007.
The aims of JBV are
- To foster the establishment and growth of new local businesses from within the community.
- To encourage existing businesses to improve their management standards in order to maintain commercial viability and profitable growth.
- To provide a free counselling service for those who either already run or wish to start up a business and who cannot readily acquire such professional advice in the open market.
Board members are from a variety of local businesses such as advocates, accountants, banks and retailers. They provide the overall co-ordination, direction and strategic input to the Executive Director. The current board members are Bill Sarre, Barry Jenkins, David Green, Nigel Hair, Julie Melia, Michael Rothwell, David Warr and Andrew Hosegood.
JBV is very much a first port of call for those interested in setting up in business or established firms with a specific enquiry. The Executive Director, Lydia Cook, has been with JBV since 1997 and during that time provided advice and assistance to a great variety of clients and include retailers, administrators, IT consultants, electrical contractors, beauty therapists, travel agents, website designers, importers, book-keepers, builders, carpenters, restaurateurs and caterers, florists, hairdressers, plumbers, wholesalers, journalists, window cleaners, organic growers, architects, dentists, health and safety consultants, nursery schools, veterinarians, graphic designers, recruitment agents, car valeters, herbalists, divers, arts and crafts-based manufacturers and retailers, advertising agents, guest house owners and landscape gardeners.
JBV is totally confidential, practical and independent. If you require assistance or advice on any aspect of business, call JBV on 619222.
