Health checks for coastal businesses in the South Hams.

South Hams businesses on or near the coast can get low cost advice thanks to a new project, supported by South Hams Council.

Advice is being offered to existing businesses to help them grow and improve their profitability.

During the one-to-one meetings, 'health checks' are carried out appraising aspects of the business including finance, marketing, customer relations and other areas of business management.

The aim is to help businesses improve their competitiveness, attract more customers and safeguard jobs.

The expert advice would normally cost around £500 but is available for just £20 - thanks to grant funding.

The project is part funded by South Hams Council and the South Devon Coastal Local Action Group.

The business health checks are provided by Business Information Point, a Devon based enterprise agency.

The low cost advice is open to communities in the South Devon Coastal LAG area.

In the South Hams, the areas included are Allington, Loddiswell, Charterlands, Dartmouth, Kingswear, the Erme Valley, Kingsbridge, North Newton, Noss Mayo, Salcombe, Malborough, Saltstone, Skerries, Stokenham, Thurlestone, Wembury, Brixton, West Dart, Westville, Alvington and Yealmpton.

Part of the parishes of Stoke Gabriel, Holbeton, Modbury, Dittisham, Cornworthy and Blackawton are also eligible.

In addition, a free Enterprise Club is due to start in Ivybridge, supported by BIP, which is open to anyone thinking of starting up a new business.

For more information contact BIP on 0800 592 872.