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recent releases from Leicester Shire Development Agency, Business Link for Leicestershire and Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland | 
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BUSINESS LINK FOR LEICESTERSHIRE
The new Business Link for Leicestershire arrived on the scene in April 2001 with a promise to create a step change in business support services.
In its first year, more than 4,000 businesses - around 15 per cent of Leicestershire SMEs - received support and advice from the new-look organisation.
A dynamic new programme of events - many with motivational speakers and networking opportunities - was one of the most visible changes. More than 600 new businesses have started over the past year with the organisation's help. And a new support line number 0845 070 0086 has introduced new levels of customer care.
Business Link's achievement looks even more impressive because a Government survey shows only 20 per cent of firms ever seek outside help.
Since spring 2002, a massively overhauled web site has provided hundreds of pages of information. The website also features the Business Toolbox which enables the user to answer questions about his or her business, then provides a unique profile highlighting areas of the business which could be improved along with guidance as to where to get such help. The website can be found at www.leicestershire.businesslink.co.uk
While the web site provides instant answers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for more in-depth programmes, Business Link runs a team of specialist in-house and external advisers covering all aspects of running a business including ICT, marketing, planning and finance.
Would-be exporters can also get help from the International Trade Team and the Euro Info Centre, both run by Business Link for Leicestershire. There are also specialists focusing on key sectors such as clothing and textiles, printing and manufacturing processes. Many of these programmes involve partner organisations such as the regional development agency emda.
Meanwhile, an independent report proves the organisation is delivering quality as well as quantity. More than 80 per cent of customers said they would recommend Business Link for Leicestershire without reservation.
Chief executive Tina McEwen says Business Link has a vision to deliver inspiring business solutions and become the first choice for business support.
"The challenge we face today is to support Leicestershire's entrepreneurial spirit, to help more small businesses to start, thrive and succeed. We are passionate about that," says Mrs McEwen, who is also CEO of Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland.
The organisation's plan for Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Rutland, which is online at www.leicestershire.businesslink.co.uk, places heavy emphasis on social inclusion - opening up the business world to everyone.
Mrs McEwen explains, "Anyone who wants to be in business should have the opportunity, and we are developing programmes for people with disabilities, women and ethnic minorities to ensure they are properly supported. We are also working with early retirees to apply their expertise to small business and voluntary organisations and with young people to ensure they have a path into the business world. All these initiatives involve working with partner organisations - such as the Learning and Skills Council and the business women's group Integra."
Business Link has provided full time staff to work with ethnic minority businesses and to run programmes for Leicestershire Asian Business Association and Leicester African Caribbean Association. It has also seconded a business manager to work with the Asian women's association, Belgrave Baheno, on the multi-million-pound social enterprise project, Enterprising Peepul.
Business Link manages a range of programmes aimed at stimulating agricultural businesses and other rural businesses, such as tourism.
In the second half of 2002, it is spending more than £600,000 - half of it from the European Regional Development Fund - on "Business Cohesion", a project to encourage business in ten of Leicester's most deprived wards.
Ends
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