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Easy Access to Business Support in East Hampshire

Wednesday 23rd of December 2009

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East Hampshire District Council and Business Link have joined forces to provide local businesses with easy access to support and advice services. 

Following national government recommendations to simplify the way advice, information and support is provided to businesses, a special agreement has been signed by the two organisations to strengthen their partnership and demonstrate their shared commitment to promote an enterprising culture in East Hampshire.

The agreement builds on the existing relationship between East Hampshire District Council and Business Link, and signifies a new era for business support services. This will include joint programmes of advice and events making it easier for people who are looking to start up a business, or those with existing businesses, to access business support in the district.

Over the last year, East Hampshire District Council has hosted a series of free business health checks at the local council offices and continues to support Business Link activities in other parts of East Hampshire with one-to-one advice provided by Business Link Advisers.  

Richard Millard, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, East Hampshire District Council, said: "This is a strong relationship. Business Link will be the first point of contact either for anyone thinking of starting a business or seeking to grow an established business, providing free information and advice. We are committed to promoting a diverse and thriving economy, and to unlocking the enormous talent and potential East Hampshire has in becoming one of the most enterprising economies in the county."

Stephen Dixon, Economic Development Manager of Business Link, said: "Hampshire is one of the best areas in the country to start and grow a business. Our goal is to ensure that we simplify the access to business support to make a real difference to existing businesses and to the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders in the East Hampshire area. I am delighted we have this agreement with East Hampshire District Council. It is our aim to have the same kind of partnership with all local councils across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight."