BUSINESS Link Wessex has launched a telephone advisory service.

Following research, which identified a need among small and medium sized businesses for such a service, it has brought together a team of experienced advisers to offer free direct advice to firms in Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

Although targeted mainly at smaller and medium sized organisations, Business Advice Direct is available to all.

Tony Latham, an adviser on the team, said: "The service is available free of charge to all businesses in the Wessex region.

"We are on the end of the line to offer general business advice from financial planning to marketing, through to advice on specific legislation."

The service will also point businesses to additional services or support.

Mr Latham said: "Many of the inquiries can be satisfied over the telephone, but where necessary we can arrange for a visit, sign up callers to seminars or courses, or refer them to third parties who can assist further."

He said that Business Advice Direct could offer a sounding board for business ideas or plans.

"I see myself almost as a GP for small and medium sized businesses," he said.

"They know we are independent and have no axe to grind, and as such they can use us to bounce ideas off.

"For example, if a start-up business needs a sanity check on its business plan before approaching its bank manager, we can run through it, highlight any missing information and give a feel for the sort of questions it may be asked."

The team will be expanded over the coming months to include workforce development advisors, who will offer support on the increasingly important issues of training, legislation and employee development.

For more information contact Business Advice Direct on 08454 588558.