Over the last year, the regional Business Link service has continued to engage with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the East of England to support and guide them through the challenges of business.

Notwithstanding the recession, Business Link has highlighted opportunities, provided information and addressed concerns of the region’s SMEs throughout 2009. In February, Business Link reported that, unsurprisingly, money saving was high on the agenda of the region’s businesses. In April however, it was recognised that many businesses were paying out for advice that Business Link could, and continues to, provide for free. As the class of 2009 graduated over the summer, jobs for 16-25 year olds were (and still are) few and far between; Business Link encouraged graduates to start their own businesses. An October survey from Business Link revealed strong survival characteristics from the region’s businesses, painting a bright post-recession picture. And, in November, with less than 1,000 days to go until the 2012 Olympic Games, the regional business support service prompted SMEs in Hertfordshire to register on CompeteFor for tender opportunities around the Games.

Following a diverse year in business, and increasingly competitive market places across all industries, Business Link asked owners and managers of the region’s SMEs to reflect…

When asked to summarise 2009 in less than 150 words, businesses in Hertfordshire provided mixed reflections:

“Further growth and better than expected trading figures.”

“Disastrous first quarter, quiet second quarter, busy third quarter and so far above average fourth quarter.”

“Largely has gone as planned, only somewhat affected by the general downturn.”

“It’s like a game of football with ten balls in play!”

“A year of learning, growth and development.”

Pat Smith, Chief Executive of Business Link in the East of England, said:

“2009 has been a year of mixed challenges and achievements for many of the region’s businesses. For some, economic realities left them fighting for survival, whereas others experienced growth that exceeded forecasts and expectations. Whatever the New Year has in store for the business community, we at Business Link look forward to working with them to plan for a successful and prosperous 2010.”

To get in touch with Business Link, call 08457 17 16 15, visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/east or email questions@businesslinkeast.org.uk

About Business Link in the East of England:

Business Link… the place to go for business support

Business Link provides information, practical advice and support to help people to start, run or grow their businesses

Our clients fall in to two main categories:

-Those running or working in established small and medium sized businesses

-Those who want to start their own business

Both client groups can access independent, impartial and, in most instances, free help and support from Business Link in the form of:

-Free one-to-one help from an experienced Business Adviser (established businesses) or Enterprise Awareness Manager (start-ups)

-Workshops and briefings on a range of business subjects such as business planning, sales and marketing, legislation, developing people

-Telephone and online support through our Regional Information and Intelligence centre

Business Link East works with businesses and entrepreneurs in the 6 counties in the East of England: Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk

Business Link is a government initiative to promote enterprise, funded in the East of England by the East of England Development Agency

T 08457 17 16 15 E info@businesslinkeast.org.uk www.businesslink.gov.uk/east