THE financial year-end figures for Business Link in the East of England indicate that in what has been a challenging economic year has not discourage Cambridgeshire’s businesses from seeking the support needed to pursue entrepreneurial ambition.

Performance figures released this week show that 91,671 businesses and entrepreneurs in the region have sought help and advice from Business Link in the last 12 months.

Of these, a third were those in the earliest stages of planning a new business, which seems to show that the challenging economic climate did not deter the entrepreneurial ingenuity of people living in the district. On the remaining percentage, 56815 represent established businesses who sought advice from the organisation to survive, sustain and grow their way to a more prosperous future. New-start enterprises that have been trading for up to a year represent the final 4,410.

Chris Parkhouse, chairman of Business Link in the East of England, says: “Against a backdrop of the toughest economic climate in 75 years, the story of the past year is one that started with survival and ended in growth. In anticipation of this we focused our efforts on providing intensive assistance to customers which resulted in Business Link advisors providing support and health checks to thousands of business throughout the region. With Business Link positioned as the region’s Gateway to all publicly funded business support, we are delighted to have referred or signposted 25,195 customers onto our specialist partners and providers.

From dedicated support via our information team to workshops for those looking to start a business and resources accessible via our website there is no question that Business Link is utilised and valued by businesses and entrepreneurs in the East of England.”

INFO: For more information about Business Link in Cambridgeshire all 08457 171615 or go to: www.businesslink.gov.uk/east