Business Link research* has found that 49% of business customers in the South East that use Business Link expect to grow in the next 12 months, compared with only 24% that do not.

Despite the economic downturn, which Business Link has been monitoring through its South East Business Monitor, there is considerable optimism and resilience among small and medium sized firms in Kent.

Of the 30% of businesses in the county that reported being negatively affected by the downturn, 83% are taking mitigating actions. These include: revising their business plan (36%); streamlining processes to cut costs (36%); and using or investigating different sales channels (34%). However, one in seven small firms affected by the downturn has taken no action at all.

The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), which funds Business Link in the region, is supporting a Business Link advertising campaign to encourage more companies to use the free information, guidance and support service. Real Business Link customers, including Kent-based Victoria Ballard, who runs an educational chart company, are featuring in radio adverts currently airing across the region. They speak from personal experience about how valuable they found Business Link’s guidance and support with running their growing companies.

Business Link’s Bob Jones said: “It’s no surprise that Business Link customers are twice as confident about growing their business than those who haven’t met our experienced team of Business Link Advisers or used the information on our website.

“Since October, Business Link has helped over 3,800 businesses across the South East to review their company operations and devise plans to anticipate and adapt to the changing market. Without independent advice, business owners may not make the best decisions; they may cut costs at the expense of productivity or miss the opportunity of diversifying into a new market or alternative product line.

“The regional advertising campaign, funded by SEEDA, promotes the benefits of taking advice. Business Link Advisers can quickly and effectively provide business owners with the information, support and referrals to other services which will help them to respond effectively to the current economic downturn. I encourage people, including those who haven’t experienced running a business during a recession, to get in contact and access the help available.”

Jeff Alexander, SEEDA Executive Director for Competitiveness & Growth, added: “This research makes it clear that more businesses in the South East need to make use of the fantastic service offered by Business Link. The free expert guidance and support available could make a huge difference in this difficult economic climate. I would urge any business feeling the effects of the downturn and wanting advice on how to grow to get in touch as soon as possible.

“In the last three months almost 4,000 businesses in the South East have received help from Business Link through free ‘Health Checks’ covering such key issues as raising finance and exploiting new market opportunities.”

To book a free business review ‘Health Check’ with a Business Link Adviser, phone 0845 600 9 006 or email info@businesslinksoutheast.co.uk