Christchurch and East Dorset Partnership is proud to help fund some fantastic local organisations which are key stakeholders in our Going For Growth initiative and offer outstanding support services for businesses in Christchurch and East Dorset. One of these organisations is the Dorset Business Mentoring Service, known as ‘Dormen’.
Dormen is a confidential service offered by volunteers who are experienced members of the business community. Since starting in 2005, the programme has supported well over 1100 businesses. Dormen currently supports about 160 Businesses ranging from sole traders to medium sized companies, although the service mainly helps small developing commercial businesses.
Dormen mentors work to the SFEDI (Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative) mentoring standard and undergo a formal application and interview process including comprehensive induction training on mentoring skills and Dormen processes. The mentors then work with small developing businesses, offering their support for up to 12 months, although this period can be extended if required.
Mentors are best defined as a “business friend”. They do not give clients advice, act as consultants, or recommend specific actions to clients – who remain totally responsible for their own business decisions at all times. However, mentors do offer help and support to their clients including:
• Reviewing clients operations and future plans
• Helping clients to find solutions using their experience and knowledge
• Helping clients agree their business priorities & plans
• Providing encouragement and support to achieve their plans
• Helping clients develop their skills and act for themselves
• Being someone who is interested, asks questions and listens
• Being someone clients can talk to – a sounding board
• Being someone who can raise issues and difficult questions and help to bring a fresh perspective on problems and difficulties that a client’s business may face
Dormen has helped many businesses across East Dorset and Christchurch including, Signpost HR Solutions based in Christchurch, Long John’s Fish & Chips in Wimborne and Drusilla’s Inn in East Dorset.
Rosemary Darby-Jenkins of Signpost HR Solutions has said about Dormen:
“If anyone was thinking about contacting Dormen I would highly recommend it. It’s been one of the most positive things I’ve done.”
View the full case study.
Jon Long of Long John’s Fish and Chips has recommended the types of company Dormen benefits:
“The kind of companies that would benefit most from the Dormen mentoring service would be companies that have good growth plans, are looking to expand and who are generally wanting to see the best out of their business.”
View the full case study.
Gary Watling of Drusilla’s Inn has also commented:
“Any business venture now I would always try and get Dormen or somebody like Dormen involved, it’s invaluable. If anybody has the opportunity it would be crazy not to go forward because there’s everything to gain and nothing to lose.”
View the full case study.
For more information on mentoring or becoming a mentor yourself, go to the Dormen website.