ONE-in-four firms in the south west has gone to a Business Link centre for free support and guidance in the last year, according to new figures.

Some 46,000 established companies and a further 15,000 people looking to start up in business have been advised, assisted or supported by one of the six government-run Business Links in the region.

And the organisation says that according to customer feedback forms 92 per cent of clients are satisfied, or very satisfied, with the service from Business Links in the south west.

Business Link has now outlined its priorities for the next six months.

Activity will include:

l Achieving efficiencies through closer working between the six Business Links and delivery of regional initiatives or services such as the recently launched Beacon Network and the Rural Enterprise Gateway

l Increasing the number of clients receiving in-depth and strategic support

l Developing public and private sector partnerships.

In response to the results Daphne Milner, chief executive officer at Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire said: "Across all counties in the south west, Business Link is continuing to build a strong bond with business of all sizes and from all sectors.

"Wiltshire is no exception, as we are working hard to add real value to the south west regional economy by making a difference to businesses via increased performance, value and growth. Our targets reflect this drive.

"By the end of 2005 we are aiming to increase productivity per employee by an average of £1,400 for all Wiltshire businesses that engage assistance from Business Link at an intensive and strategic level.

"In the case of established businesses, most reach a stage when they would benefit from strategic intervention. For example, they may want to grow but also need to ensure that their infrastructure can sustain extra capacity or they may want to reach new markets but are uncertain how to diversify.

"It is exactly at these critical points that we seek to work with individual businesses to provide objective insights and signposts to solutions, whether in the form of funding, training, consultancy or delivery of a complementary business service."

For advice and access to experts on all issues relating to running or setting up a business please contact: Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire on 0845 6004141 or via www.blbw.co.uk