A NEW consultancy hopes to get local businesses talking and listening to their customers.

Liz Watkins-Young has recently launched Collaborative Advantage, which offers local businesses the support they need to talk to, and listen to, their customers on a regular basis.

"It's a combination of marketing, communications and consultation services," said Ms Watkins-Young.

"Together they can solve very practical business problems, like being informed about customer attitudes and values."

Ms Watkins-Young, whose business is based in Malvern, believes many firms fail to use their greatest asset - their customer base.

"Most businesses are very good at selling but many don't talk to customers, once they've got them, about their at-titudes.

"Either they don't feel able to ask the right questions, or they don't recognise that your customers are the best people to inform your busi-ness decisions. If you're selling, marketing or reviewing customer service you should listen to your customers."

Liz carries out consultation studies and communication reviews and gives business insight to inform marketing and customer service operations.

For more details, phone 01684 899025 or go to www.CollaborativeAdvantage.co.uk.