01.08.06
Business Link success announced by 'pod cast'

A first-ever 'pod cast' has been used by Business Link to report its fourth year of continued growth in the volume of businesses it supports, resulting in high levels of sales and profitability that will impact on the region's economy.

Businesses that contacted Business Link for support and advice over the past 12 months are forecasting increase in sales to the tune of £215 million (£66 million in Cornwall) and the development of 2,185 new jobs (776 in Cornwall). This will provide a total impact of £75 million (£23 million in Cornwall) on these businesses' collective value - a positive reflection of increases in productivity and economic growth.

The figures were announced to the regions' leading businesses and Business Link's key partners by 'pod cast', an audio version of chief executive Bob Dow's announcement which was made available on the Business Link website only minutes after the performance figures were released.

In Bob's address he reported over 22,500 (8,285 in Cornwall) businesses were helped by Business Link with information, advice and guidance over the 12 month period to April 2006 - a year on year increase of 12%. Additionally, 5,524 (1,934 in Cornwall) individuals investigating starting a business were given start-up support in their early critical months.

In Cornwall, the benefits from additional support and advice to the economy by the Objective One program are highlighted. Since the Objective One Programme launched in July 2000 a total of 10,172 businesses have been assisted through the Programme which was 226% ahead of targets resulting in over £214m forecast increase in sales, £77million forecast increase in 'added business value' and over 2,100 jobs.

Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Objective One Partnership, commented: "These performance results are great news for the region and show an encouraging growth trend that is necessary to turn Cornwall's economy around. Investment via Business Link is one of the Programme's highly successful partnerships to deliver a whole raft of business support measures that have been put in place to benefit businesses in Cornwall."

Bob Dow said, "We are clearly continuing to build on our headline performance of the previous years. We have strengthened our business support network with both the private and public sector and are continually seeking to deliver a more co-ordinated and valuable service to our diverse business community. It is essential that our support for local businesses is world class, we are investing heavily to achieve this and will continue to do so for the benefit of the whole region and its economy."

Bob Dow chief executive of Business Link Devon and Cornwall explained, "We are encouraging businesses to be more competitive by being innovative. We lead by example - in terms of the services, systems and support we offer – our corporate communications are also moving with the times. We hoped the pod casts would reach out to a wider audience at the comfort of their own desks."

Indeed, the pod casts have already been well received and Business Link is planning a follow up series of pod casts covering popular business topics over the coming months.

For further information please contact Carolyn Daw of the Marketing PR Company on 01566 771863 or email cdaw@marketing-pr.co.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in Business Link through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF).

Editor's notes:

Business Link provides a free information and enquiry service via an information gateway on the web www.bldc.co.uk and via the telephone on 0845 600 9966 to all businesses and those considering starting a business. Additionally, it provides impartial business advice and support through a network of partner organisations, which it co-ordinates, and a register of independent business practitioners.

Business Link for Devon and Cornwall delivers the national Business Link service to the region under contract from the South West of England Regional Development Agency, which was established by government in 1999 to promote the long-term economic success of the region. It does this by working with others to give people the skills they need, encourage enterprise, improve infrastructure, help communities with regeneration and promote the strengths of the region. Business Link has received Objective One investment (European Regional Development Fund and EAGGF) to help companies improve performance and grow.

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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