Figures revealed from a number of separate reports show that businesses believe they save time, increase their sales and raise profits as a direct result of using the Business Link service.
Huge numbers of business owners and budding entrepreneurs are turning to the service. The regional network of Business Link providers reached a staggering 942,000 customers in the 2008/2009 period and businesslink.gov.uk hosted more than 14 million visits, proving itself as a favourite site for business.
The recent surveys asked Business Link customers to provide feedback on the service and the impact it has had on their business. The figures clearly demonstrate the service is making a difference to their bottom line with businesses reporting that they:
ü SAVED MONEY: they saved roughly 5.7 million hours (which they valued at approx £121m) and £158 million in cost savings by using the free information and advice on the Business Link website
ü INCREASED THEIR PROFITS: they attributed additional sales of £360 million and increased profits of £54 million to using the information and guidance on the website
ü SAVED VALUABLE TIME: the advisory service saved them valuable time researching and gathering information – an average of 17 hours per customer
ü BENEFITED FROM A FREE HEALTH CHECK: 95,000 businesses accessed a free “Health Check” through which they were offered an impartial, objective assessment of their business performance.
As the figures were released a selection of the UK’s top entrepreneurs attended an event to sign up to the official Business Link Ambassador Programme. Karen Hanton of Toptable.com said. ‘Business Link is a service that is performing extremely well and delivering fantastic free support and advice to businesses at a critical time. I am happy to show my support and do all I can to encourage those budding and existing business owners to use and benefit from the vast free support and guidance they are entitled to.’
Trade, Investment and Small Business Minister Lord Davies said. ‘Business Link is a vital resource for businesses, however big or small, providing them with the advice and support they need and enabling them to run their businesses more efficiently.
‘The Business Link Ambassadors’ endorsement will act as a spur for other businesses to take advantage of the free, expert advice and support available.’
Other Business Link ambassadors include: Karen Darby (Call Britannia) John Bird (Big Issue) Imran Hakim (iTeddy) John Cowell (Cowell Co) and Claire Young (former Apprentice finalist).
