Dorset Chamber member GetSet for Growth Dorset has recently appointed Jonathan Dixon as Programme Director, looking after the company’s Outset and GetSet for Growth services in the county. YTKO is a national provider of a range of support services to new and growing SMEs, including workshops and one to one guidance on marketing, raising finance and business planning. The company runs programmes in locations that include London and South East, Cornwall, Bristol, Wiltshire, Somerset and Devon
Jonathan was born and raised in Crewkerne, Somerset and is delighted to return to the West Country after 30 years working in South Yorkshire in a variety of business support roles. Before joining YTKO, Jonathan worked for the corporate finance division of a firm of accountants, advising local and public authorities on strategies for the creation of financial instruments and in fund-raising assignments for early-stage technology businesses. Prior to that, he ran his own consulting business for 16 years and served for 7 years as Deputy Chief Executive of an SME finance provider before leading the planning and launch of an evergreen £90m investment fund called Finance Yorkshire, that used public funding to sustainably invest in businesses that were unable to source growth finance in the commercial market.
Under their Outset service, YTKO can support people that wish to explore opportunities to start a new business by helping them to test the market, put together an effective launch plan and ensure that the numbers work too – to fund the business and to manage ongoing viability. YTKO’s GetSet for Growth service provides ongoing workshops and guidance for established businesses that wish to explore new opportunities for growth. Dorset has always been a great place to start and run a business. As we adjust to some of the changes caused by COVID, more and more people will look to set up in business as an alternative to a regular employment. YTKO’s services are available free of charge, funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
In his new role, Jonathan leads a team of friendly and experienced business advisers based at the Enterprise Hub at Darracott Road, Bournemouth, where YTKO has supported Dorset start-ups and growing businesses over the last seven years. YTKO’s is proud of its client-centred approach and offers practical support to people from every type of background including those that may never previously have managed a business or hold formal business qualifications.
Although their offices are closed to visitors as part of COVID precautions, YTKO are very much open for business and may be contacted on 0800 756 0811.