A South Hams business strategist has launched a free assessment to help local businesses review their performance, competitiveness and plans for the future.

Brian George, who lives in West Charleton near Kingsbridge, has developed Marketing on Trend (MoT) through his business, The GG Workshop, with the aim of helping independent businesses identify what is working well and where improvements could be made.

The online assessment has been launched amid mounting pressures on businesses, including rising operating costs, changing customer habits and increased competition.

Mr George said that while businesses routinely monitor their finances and day-to-day operations, they can overlook the importance of stepping back to assess their overall direction.

He said: “Markets change. Customers change. Competitors change. Businesses that regularly reflect, review and adapt are often the ones best positioned to thrive over the longer term.”

According to the creator, the free MoT Health Check takes about three minutes to complete and covers areas including business direction, customer understanding, competitiveness, sales and marketing, customer experience and preparedness for future changes.

Participants receive a personalised initial review highlighting positive aspects of their business, alongside potential opportunities or areas that may warrant further attention.

Mr George said the assessment was designed to offer an independent perspective without the commitment or cost associated with a traditional consultancy review.

“We’re not trying to tell business owners how to run their businesses,” he said.

“The objective is simply to provide an opportunity to reflect and review. Sometimes the most valuable thing a business owner can receive is an independent perspective that confirms they’re moving in the right direction or helps identify opportunities that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.”

Originally from outside the area, Mr George’s connection with the South Hams stretches back to childhood holidays with his parents, when Kingsbridge railway station was still open.

He has spent much of his professional life working in food and drink advertising and marketing at major national and international agencies.

He also previously owned the Tower Inn at Slapton, commuting to London while running the business, before eventually deciding to move back to the area permanently around five years ago.

Now living in West Charleton, he said he continued to visit the Tower and was keen to support businesses across the region.

Mr George believes businesses in Devon demonstrate considerable resilience but believes the pace of change means regularly reviewing their approach is increasingly important.

He said: "Devon has always been home to innovative, determined and adaptable businesses.

“The purpose of the Brand and Business MoT isn’t to focus on what’s wrong. It’s to help organisations understand what’s working, what may need attention and where future opportunities may exist.”

The initiative is initially aimed at businesses across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset, with the free assessment available online.

Businesses can access the MoT Health Check at www.grocerygurusworkshop.co.uk