Mentor’s role recognised with award

Anthony Fuller, 53, from Beverley, East Yorkshire, won the prize in the Yell Mentoring Works Awards for his voluntary work with the Horsemouth website.

Mr Fuller and the two other advisors who were recognised have helped more than 120 British firms over the last year.

The business mentor is a former policeman in Wales who has also worked as managing director of a national independent financial advice firm.

He is now qualified to teach literacy and communication to adults.

Mr Fuller was praised by judges for his ability to direct entrepreneurs to useful resources and for giving realistic and forthright advice. He has won a £500 prize.

MT Rainey, the founder of Horsemouth and awards judge said: “Informal online mentoring offers an extremely practical response to the tough situations which many start-ups and businesses are finding themselves in.

“Anthony is a great example of a number of talented business people willing to share their expertise and help smaller businesses succeed.

“It’s heartening to see so many experienced chief executives, business coaches and retired professionals giving their time for free.”

The site said it has seen demand for help increase by 50 per cent as small businesses go online for advice and mentoring, as well as to share what their own experiences.

Last year it received 15,000 requests for help.