- Those running or working in established small and medium sized businesses

- Those who want to start their own business

- Free one-to-one help from an experienced business adviser (for established businesses only)

- Workshops and briefings on a range of business subjects such as business planning, sales and marketing, legislation, developing people

- Telephone and online support through our Information and intelligence centre

 In response to suggestions that the UK is already in a recession, Business Link is offering a free business ‘health check’ to all small or medium sized businesses.

- Those running or working in established small and medium sized businesses

- Those who want to start their own business

- Free one-to-one help from an experienced business adviser (for established businesses only)

- Workshops and briefings on a range of business subjects such as business planning, sales and marketing, legislation, developing people

- Telephone and online support through our Information and intelligence centre

Towards the end of last year, Business Link reported that enquiries received from trading businesses by its Information Centre were up 100% on the same point last year. Also on the increase were requests for information on redundancy and liquidation, with 10% of callers seeking information on these areas compared to a negligible number in previous months.

Dominic O’Sullivan of Business Link said:

“On the basis that we are seeing an increase in customers coming to us who are already feeling the pinch, there will be many more out there who are either trying to weather the storm alone or who do not realise that by taking action now, they could avoid problems further down the line.

“Contacting our information centre is just a starting point for anyone who is worried about the future of their business. The next stage is our ‘health check’, which takes stock of where a business is currently and looks at what needs to be done to move ahead. We know that businesses who take advice from Business Link have better survival rates than those who don’t, so our message is simple: call us now on 08457 17 16 15.”

In addition to the health checks, Business Link will once again be running its programme of workshops and seminars for those who are either looking to move into self-employment, or established businesses that are looking for information on tools such as marketing, PR and finance control.

All workshops are free and they take place on different dates at a variety of locations within easy reach of Huntingdon to enable business people to attend at a time that fits in with their commitments.

For further information on events visit the website www.bookevents.org or phone the events booking team on 0845 601 1000. For all other enquiries telephone 08457 17 16 15 or visit the Business Link website www.businesslink.gov.uk/east .

ABOUT BUSINESS LINK

• Business Link in the East of England provides information, practical advice and support to help people to start, run or grow their business

 • Business Link is a government initiative to promote enterprise, funded in the East of England by the East of England Development Agency

Dominic O’Sullivan of Business Link said:

“On the basis that we are seeing an increase in customers coming to us who are already feeling the pinch, there will be many more out there who are either trying to weather the storm alone or who do not realise that by taking action now, they could avoid problems further down the line.

“Contacting our information centre is just a starting point for anyone who is worried about the future of their business. The next stage is our ‘health check’, which takes stock of where a business is currently and looks at what needs to be done to move ahead. We know that businesses who take advice from Business Link have better survival rates than those who don’t, so our message is simple: call us now on 08457 17 16 15.”

In addition to the health checks, Business Link will once again be running its programme of workshops and seminars for those who are either looking to move into self-employment, or established businesses that are looking for information on tools such as marketing, PR and finance control.

All workshops are free and they take place on different dates at a variety of locations within easy reach of Huntingdon to enable business people to attend at a time that fits in with their commitments.

For further information on events visit the website www.bookevents.org or phone the events booking team on 0845 601 1000. For all other enquiries telephone 08457 17 16 15 or visit the Business Link website www.businesslink.gov.uk/east .

Contact us on 08457 17 16 15 or visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/east