News

February 26, 2010

TV’s business inspector pledges to help small firms

Cashflow, marketing and record-keeping – these are just three of the topics that will be under scrutiny when Channel Five’s television reality series The Business Inspector starts on 17 March.

The four-part series will feature founder of successful pallet distribution firm Pall-Ex, Hilary Devey, as she visits eight small firms that are struggling to survive or grow, and advises them on how to improve their businesses.

“Britain’s brimming with creativity, but a terrifying number of businesses go bust every year and this shouldn’t be happening,” said Devey. “I am going to teach businesses how to improve their all-round business knowledge and direction, cashflow, marketing strategy and in some cases even their enthusiasm.”

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is sponsoring the series. “We hope this series will raise awareness of the need for good record-keeping,” said HMRC business customer unit director, Stephen Banyard. “We also want small businesses to realise the benefits to them – such as improved cashflow – of taking better care of their records and paperwork.”

The series has been produced by Optomen Television, the firm behind BBC2’s Mary, Queen of Shops.

• The Business Inspector will be shown on Channel Five at 8pm on Wednesdays from 17 March.

• Watch a live webchat with Hilary Devey.