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22,000 DERBYSHIRE BUSINESSES AND ENTREPRENEURS BENEFIT FROM BUSINESS LINK SUPPORT

In the last year, the regional Business Link service helped almost 22,000 Derbyshire businesses and entrepreneurs to receive the help they needed to start, survive and grow, according to figures released by the East Midlands Development Agency (emda).

Figures for the year 2009/10 show that Business Link services have been provided to 17,298 established businesses and to a further 4,595 entrepreneurs who were thinking of starting a business across Derbyshire. This is an increase of nearly 27% of customers serviced from the previous year.

The regional Business Link service, which is funded by emda, has developed rapidly during the past three years. More than 240 people are employed to deliver the Business Link service across the East Midlands, with 80% of these having front line delivery roles – directly working with customers, helping people to start a business, or supporting existing businesses to be competitive and grow. Despite the increased number of businesses supported by Business Link, the customer satisfaction level has been maintained at 90%.

Stephen Smith, Chief Executive of EMB Ltd, the organisation responsible for delivering the regional Business Link service says, "Since the regional Business Link service was launched in 2007, we have supported over two thirds of the business community on the IDBR across Derbyshire, helping them to access the very best information, support and advice."

Performance figures for 2009/10 show that in the Derbyshire area, Business Link has provided access to advice and support to help create 1,006 jobs and assist 586 local businesses to survive beyond their first year of trading.

Its team of advisers have carried out over 4,126 business reviews to help local enterprises increase their competitiveness and ride out the recession and provided information, support and access to in-depth assistance for 1,185 businesses.

Mike Carr, emda’s Executive Director of Business Services, said: “The performance figures to date demonstrate that we are delivering our promise to increase the number of businesses benefiting from Business Link services. I congratulate the team at EMB on the quality and professionalism of their work, which I know is greatly appreciated by businesses across the East Midlands.

“We recognise that Government is currently reviewing the way that business support will be delivered in the future, following the decision to replace Regional Development Agencies. We are working closely with them, to ensure a smooth transition to any new arrangements, whilst continuing to deliver the high quality of the service provided by Business Link and the other specialist Solutions for Business services that we fund.”

Steve Coxon, Director of Derby-based Castlewood Joinery says that Business Link's help has been invaluable in the current economic climate. "My Business Link adviser was able to help me to explore new markets and identify ways to help the business become more competitive. The result is that the business is now in a much stronger position to survive and thrive."

Derbyshire based Marcela Flores Newburn, owner of Rico Mexican Kitchen – a specialist provider of chilled, fresh Mexican foods adds, "We are lucky to have such a joined up regional service that is delivered locally.

“I know I can pick up the phone and either speak to someone or arrange to meet an adviser face to face. Being able to discuss my business issues with someone who understands the business and my local area is something I really appreciate as a small company."

Mike Carr concludes: "Over the past 12 months, the Business Link service has supported record numbers of businesses, helping to create new businesses and jobs in the region and assisting established businesses. As the economy begins to emerge from recession, support for business will continue to be vital and we will make every effort to ensure we provide the best possible service.

“The new businesses and jobs that have been created through the support provided by Business Link, are vital to the future of the region’s economy, and Business Link is still very much open for business during this transition period.”

The Business Link service across the East Midlands region is delivered by EMB Ltd under contract to the East Midlands Development Agency (emda).

For more information about how Business Link services can help to start, maintain or grow businesses, visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/eastmidlands , or telephone 0845 058 6644.
 

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