Businesses can now receive a free in-depth evaluation of their competitive performance as part of the Implement Best Business Practice programme offered by Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire.

The initiative is designed to provide firms with the know-how, support and direction to help them achieve their goals.

Underpinning the programme is a comparison exercise that evaluates a business's performance against other companies in their sector by using a diagnostic process.

The resulting data provides the basis for the business to create a Strategic Action Plan outlining the steps it needs to follow.

However, access to the programme is not automatic and companies must demonstrate they have the capacity and drive to grow, together with the commitment and flexibility to make changes to their existing operational processes.

BLBW spokewoman Daphne Milner said: "Successful companies don't stand still, they're always looking for ways to improve.

"Although smaller businesses do have great aspirations, the vast majority, in our experience, need support to realise their full potential and determine practical ways to affect business improvement.

"It is expected that a client will already have a view on their future strategy and goals.

"However, this programme aims to help them validate and refine these goals through real world comparisons."

For further information call 0845 600 41 41.