swings into action

THE new Small Business Service for Cheshire came into operation this week.

Based at the International Business Centre, the service operates under the name of Business Link Cheshire and Warrington, with Sandra Brusby as its chief executive.

The new service is one of 45 throughout the country, established by the Government.

Sandra, who has a wealth of experience in regional, national and international business to business, said the aim was to integrate Business Link offices previously operated throughout Cheshire into the new service.

"With a leaner, more efficient structure of local business service providers and the addition of a national interface network, small to medium size businesses will now be offered a more consistent and customer focused service," she said.

The new service will include partnerships with Chambers of Commerce and other business agencies.

A team of business advisors will help companies. All areas of business support will be covered, particularly for new business start-ups, incubation units and small to medium size enterprises. Services will include business planning, advice for start-ups and expansion, marketing, workforce development, e-commerce, information technology, financial management, networking and accountancy.

The service's international team will help companies unlock trade potential, network in world-wide markets and access marketing information.