Barclays shows clients how to get loans-SIM offers regional support for businesses |16 May 2005

Two lecturers from the Seychelles Institute of Management (SIM), Kashmira Rajiah and Samuel Omolo, gave the clients guidelines on how to prepare business plans.

This took place at the International Conference Centre in the presence of the bank's managing director Frank Hoareau and SIM's executive head Noellie Alexander.

Mr Hoareau said that the bank's experience while working with clients showed there was need to share with them tips on business planning and financial management.

"Having a well structured business plan is essential for any business seeking to secure a loan from a financial institution," he said.

He said strategic planning is essential in business success, and that by offering the seminar, the bank hoped to further assist its clients in achieving such success.

On her part, Ms Alexander said SIM has the capacity to give local, regional and international businesses the necessary tools they need to succeed.

She was speaking before the two lecturers apprised the business operators on business planning norms.

She outlined a number of challenges businesses face in today's world, saying they must increasingly create and display "intangible assets."

The institute's head gave examples of such assets as customer relationships, employee skills and knowledge, information technology and a workplace place culture that encourages innovation, problem solving and general improvements.

"All businesses need tools to manage these intangible assets, and the situation out there can be quite daunting, but fortunately there are a host of interventions available to meet the challenges," she said.

She said SIM has the capacity to help organisations and businesses meet their goals.
"As a national development institute with an eye on the region and indeed, internationally, we are abreast of new techniques and best practices that can assist organisations make a difference.

"My staff and I are available to meet with you to discuss your requirements," she said.