Reuben in the News
Evening Mail, 2001

The text of this article reads:

Small firms in the Midlands which provide the backbone of the regional economy face ever-mounting pressures in the hothouse business world of the new Millennium.

As globalisation tightens its grip on the world economy, smaller companies which have been a bedrock of employment for years face increasingly tough battles to survive in the harsh new world of the 21st century.

With the vast majority of the 20,000 companies in Birmingham alone part of the small to medium-sized sector, the stakes have never been higher for thousands of companies.

Both established firms and would-be entrepreneurs looking to launch their own enterprises need all the help they can get to blaze their own trails in the corporate jungle.

But help is at hand for determined small firms and possible new success stories - with the launch of potentially invaluable new support initiatives.

In the Midlands, pioneering project Mustard.uk.com recently celebrated its first anniversary after helping over 150 start-up businesses move closer to realising their dreams.

The project, which has already seen over 40 new businesses launch trading, has received cash backing from the Department of Trade and Industry and the European Regional Development Fund.

Developed by a team of leading business professionals, Mustard.uk.com provides hands-on support, focus and project management to help businesses balance the demands of the working day with plans for future growth.

Meanwhile, more support for small business is being provided by mobile communications network One 2 One with a new free book and website called Everything Communicates.

The project, designed to steer companies through their entire communications strategies, highlights the importance of enterprise and initiative - citing the example of Midlands-based professional toastmaster Reuben Simeon Lynch.

Raise a glass today with Reuben to the future of small businesses throughout the Midlands.