West Midlands companies in line for business boost from new advice portal

A new website will provide a host of business benefits for the West Midlands

[ClickPress, Mon Apr 16 2007] Companies in the West Midlands will be able to tap into a new ‘online’ resource to improve their performance it was revealed today.

Business Link West Midlands’ website (www.businesslinkwm.co.uk) will provide an online, one-stop service for advice and information on improving efficiency, boosting workforce skills and keeping abreast of new regulation.

There will also be over 25 interactive business tools available, which will guide individuals through the first stages of starting a new business or companies looking to tackle employment law and health and safety issues.

Steve Taylor, Head of Information Management, explained:

“Online communication is becoming increasingly popular with companies, so it was vital that we developed a website that reflected what the new service is all about...simple access to the best business advice.”

“It’s easy to navigate and, in addition to the usual info, we’ve added some new concepts, such as 430 different guides, the ‘business tools’, a powerful search engine and a special ‘Ask Business Link’ service, which gives a monthly source of free advice to businesses.”

He continued: “There will also be a media centre, which will give journalists access to the latest news, research and topical articles at a ‘click’ of a button.
The website will also help businesses save money and time by highlighting funding opportunities, VAT account schemes and, through email alerts, keep companies up-to-date with changes in legislation.”

Link

The power of the web will be a vital tool in increasing communication with companies across the region and in developing relationships with key partners and stakeholders.

As part of this approach, organisations involved in business support will be invited to host ‘Business Link in a Box’ on their website. This offers ‘free touch of a button access’ to the main website, increasing access for individuals and businesses who need help.
“We want to make sure that everyone looking for business support knows where to go to and working closely with our partners in communicating this message is vital,” continued Steve.

“In total, we are expecting 25,000 hits in the first year and for the site to be the first point of reference for potential entrepreneurs and established companies looking to grow.”

Business Link West Midlands officially launched on April 2nd and is expected to help over 70,000 businesses and individuals thinking of starting a business with information, with a further 16,000 receiving intensive support from experienced business advisers by 2010.

This level of support is expected to generate a £400m improvement to the economic performance of the West Midlands.

Companies interested in speaking with Business Link West Midlands should contact 0845 113 1234.

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