Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire has revealed a 58 per cent increase in demand for business support services in Wiltshire compared to the same six-month period the previous year.

From April to September 2003, 5,587 small and medium-sized businesses in Wiltshire took advantage of Business Link's services, including its 0845 600 41 41 support line, its website www.blbw.co.uk and its team of 60 business advisers.

Daphne Milner, chief executive of Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire, said: "During the last six months we have accommodated 2,107 repeat business users in Wiltshire this is solid testimony to the value of the service we offer across the county."

For information, advice and access to experts on all issues relating to running or setting up a business, contact Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire on 0845 600 4141.