EMB delivers support to over 100,000 East Midlands businesses and entrepreneurs

In the last year, the regional Business Link service enabled over 100,000 businesses and entrepreneurs to receive the help they needed to start, survive and grow, according to figures released from the East Midlands Development Agency (emda).

Figures for the year 2009/10 show that Business Link services have been provided to 80,254 established businesses and to a further 21,670 entrepreneurs who were thinking of starting a business across the East Midlands. This is an increase of over 24% in the number of customers supported in the previous year.

The regional Business Link service, which is funded by emda, and delivered by EMB Ltd, 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 significant increase in the number of businesses and entrepreneurs supported by Business Link, the percentage of customers expressing satisfaction with the service has remained just above 90%, according to an independent survey. Only 2.6% of customers expressed dissatisfaction with the service, the best performance since emda took over the direction of the Business Link service.

Stephen Smith, Chief Executive of EMB Ltd, the organisation responsible for delivering the regional Business Link service said: "Since the regional Business Link service was launched in 2007, we have supported over two thirds of businesses across the East Midlands, helping them to access the very best information, support and advice from both the private and public sector."

Performance figures for 2009/10 show that in the East Midlands, Business Link has helped 2,310 new businesses to survive through their all important first year of trading. In addition the support that it has provided to businesses has helped to create 5,046 jobs.  Its team of advisers have carried out over 17,000 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 over 5,500 businesses.

Mike Carr, emda's Executive Director of Business Services, said: "The performance figures for 2009/10 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 region.

"We recognise that the Coalition Government is currently reviewing the way business support is delivered in the future, following the decision to replace the Regional Development Agencies. We are working closely with them to ensure a smooth transition to any new arrangements. During this period, we will continue to deliver the Business Link service and other specialist Solutions for Business products to the high level that customers have come to expect from emda funded programmes."

Andy Bray, Commercial Director of The Spiderlift Company based in North Derbyshire 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."

Jeeva Sanmugam - Managing Director of Northamptonshire-based Classic Cuisine 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 to our customers.

"The new businesses and jobs that are created by Business Link are vital to the future of the region's economy. The Business Link service is still very much open for business during this transition period."

Business Link East Midlands provides businesses with access to information, advice and wider business support available from both the public and private sectors, to help start, maintain and grow a business.

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.