|
||
|
||
 |
recent releases from Leicester Shire Development Agency, Business Link for Leicestershire and Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland | 
|
|
|
2 May 2002
NEWS RELEASE
FIRST YEAR RESULTS SHOW RECORD NUMBER OF BUSINESSES CHOOSING BUSINESS LINK FOR LEICESTERSHIRE FOR BUSINESS SUPPORT
More than 4,000 Leicestershire businesses turned to Business Link for support in the new organisation's first year.
The number of firms accessing Business Link for Leicestershire services has doubled since the organisation was restructured.
In the year to 31 March, a total of 4,425 separate businesses received one to one information and advice from the organisation. The number of businesses assisted during the final quarter (January to March), topped 2000 for the first time, though this includes some repeats (see table).
Business Link exists to support the estimated 23,500 Leicestershire firms with up to 250 employees. The proportion of these businesses using its services has risen to 17 per cent, compared with 5.7% for the whole of the previous year. Among the areas businesses seek help are marketing, IT and international trade.
One business that has benefited is Coalville engineering firm Ace Arc.
"Business Link's extremely professional and friendly 'one stop shop' service provided expert information, marketing and export advice essential for our successful trade mission to India,"
said Frank Fairbrother, managing director.
Number of businesses using Business Link for Leicestershire services
L BL Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Users 1-4 employees 465 503 520 891
Users 5-9 employees 186 221 229 284
Users 10-49 employees 409 475 449 550
Users 50-249 employees 145 178 141 185
Users 250+ employees 39 36 26 44
Other 69 89 108 129
TOTAL by quarter 1313 1502 1473 2083
Cumulative total excluding repeats 1313 2501 3290 4425
Business Link for Leicestershire supported 691 businesses to start up in the year against a target of 600. During March, there were 116 start-ups, double the monthly average, indicating renewed economic confidence.
Chief executive Tina McEwen said: "Our first year also happened to be a particularly challenging year for business, especially manufacturing. We are delighted to have met our targets but the really important result is that we have made a real difference. One clear example is the large number of new businesses that we have helped to start trading. We are doing much more to support sectors, such as clothing and textiles, in need of help and to stimulate growth areas, such as business services. We are also building strong partnerships with business organisations representing ethnic minority communities, women and other minorities. By delivering what businesses really want, we aim to be the first choice for business support and to deliver inspiring business solutions."
A total of 3,391 people attended Business Link for Leicestershire events during the year. March was especially busy with 979 delegates, reflecting growing interest in a revitalised programme of events including motivational speakers and networking groups.
There were 102 businesses recognised as Investors In People with a further 196 committing to gaining the standard during the year.
Business Link also operates UK Online for business, which aims to promote e-commerce, and the Euro Info Centre, which raises awareness of issues of trading in Europe.
Other initiatives include the in-depth Pathfinder programme. This allows businesses to work with an adviser consultant for several months towards set goals such as growth or expanding into new markets.
Ends
For further Media Information
CONTACT Duncan Hopwood on 0116 254 4472
|
|
  | ||