HALF-YEAR results for Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire show a 58 per cent increase in demand for business support services compared to the same six-month period last year.

From April to September this year, 5,587 small and medium-sized businesses in Wiltshire took advantage of a wide range of services provided by Business Link, such as its 0845 600 4141 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 helped 2,107 repeat business users in Wiltshire. This is solid testimony to the value of the service we offer SMEs across the county.

"Undoubtedly, businesses are recognising more and more the importance of making the most of the opportunities and sources of information and advice available to them in order to retain real competitive advantage and tap into best practice initiatives."

She said Business Link offered businesses a range of business solutions, training and expert advice, which newly formed and existing SMEs needed in order to establish and retain a successful business.

Business Link also offers easy access to a number of inter-related and useful organisations, such as chambers of commerce, the Learning and Skills Council and the Federation of Small Businesses, all of which help to streamline the delivery of quality, relevant services to the county's small and medium-sized businesses.

For more information, contact Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire on 0845 600 41 41.