SMALL and medium-sized enterprises should find working with business support organisations a simpler process, thanks to a new common accord signed this week.

The historic accord will see the chief executive officers of Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce and Swindon Chamber of Commerce work more closely to support businesses.

The organisations have pledged to develop and implement a new referral procedure using and highlighting each other's services to the best interest of each individual business.

The services range from generic business advice to specialised services such as HR, marketing and lobbying.

Said Dennis Grant, CEO at Swindon Chamber of Commerce: "I think this common accord is a massive step forward.

"While in the past the Chambers and Business Link have been walking individually down the same road, it's now time for us all to walk together.

"More government bodies should take advantage of the knowledge that they have in their organisations and share it among themselves and with the businesses in their care."

Added Daphne Milner, CEO at Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire: "We have been collaborating with the Chambers of Commerce within our area on events and training initiatives for some time.

"The common accord will allow us to formalise our relationship and maximise the resources we have available to the small business community, providing a consistent and broader support package."