Help for businesses affected by the economic downturn

Business Link provides a wide range of help for businesses affected by the credit crunch or looking to implement 'recession proofing' activities. This service is available for all businesses irrespective of size, sector or location. Whether you want legal advice, guidance on finance, to find local specialist services or just a review of your business we should be your first point of contact.

This help includes:

What's new? - A £10m Loans Fund; funded by the South West of England Regional Development Agency together with the European Convergence and Competitiveness Operational Programmes for the South West of England, providing debt finance for eligible businesses within the region. Find further information 

The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) has launched a new programme aimed at helping businesses cope with the potential to maximise on emerging opportunities. The Downturn Readiness Review (DRR) is tailored to businesses taking part, regardless of sector or size, and is aimed at ensuring they continue to grow in the face of an economic slowdown. Find further information - Opens in a new window (download pdf. 394kb).

Find out about the national help available through the Government's Real help for business now initiative - Opens in a new window 

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Recession Proof Your Business – Develop your own 'recession-proofing' action plan by hearing from our advisers about the areas you need to focus on. Short and sharp, these 4 minute films cover four areas and ensure you know what the essential jobs are.

Introduction - Opens in a new window
Getting organised - Opens in a new window
Manage your finances - Opens in a new window
Manage your people - Opens in a new window
Manage your marketing - Opens in a new window 

Essential Information – Our online enquiry service will provide relevant information on any issue you are facing.  Call 0845 600 9966, email Business Link or use the extensive resources on this website. Download our concise Beat the Credit Crunch Guide (PDF, 928 K) - Opens in a new window 

Business Health-check – This service allows you to review all aspects of your business and its performance. It will help you identify solutions and the action you need to take to reverse or reduce the impact of current trading conditions. The service is delivered over the phone, at local offices or at your business by experienced business advisers. They will help you develop an action plan and link you into the local and national business support network to find you the best solutions. To request a review call 0845 600 9966 or email Business Link, enquiries@businesslinksw.co.uk

Online Review - If you would prefer to conduct a quick online review of key aspects of your business that will take a matter of minutes to complete, try our online health check

Local Events – Business Link is running an extensive programme of events right across the South West designed specifically to help businesses deal with the recession. These include breakfast briefings, phone clinics, business advice days, accessing finance workshops and an increasing range of events run with partner support organisations. All events are free to attend. To find out about events in your area call 0845 600 9966 or see our roadshow seminars page - Opens in a new window.

Regional support – The South West Regional Development Agency has announced a package of support - Opens in a new window including a new Business Loan Fund, increases in grant funding for R & D activity and priority action around supporting environmental business practice.

National Support – The Government has recently announced a range of support including training initiatives, cost cutting guidance and financial management guides. Also find out about the Real help for business support - Opens in a new window 

Support for businesses facing large scale redundancies – If your business is facing the potential of large scale redundancies then it is essential you secure expert help as early as possible. In the South West we have an area action force comprising all the main support organisations and local services that will work with you to help minimise the impact on your business and your staff. For more information please contact Business Link or send an email to the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA).

Working with a College or University - Higher education institutions can play a major role in helping businesses to survive the economic downturn and to build for the future. Universities and higher education colleges have a strong record in fostering innovation, enterprise and skills, and in helping to create wealth and job-generating opportunities. Read this brochure to see how your business might benefit from working with a higher education institution - Opens in a new window 

Additional support in your area – Many public and private sector organisations are providing dedicated services to local business affected by the recession. We are planning to publish a section that shows, by County, the local support available. If you offer support that will help businesses deal with the economic downturn please email details and a hyperlink to Business Link.

It is essential that you act now to deal with issues promptly and minimise the potential impact of the recession on your business. Business Link provides free, impartial help to get organised, manage your marketing, finances and people and find out about all the support that is available. Contact us on 0845 600 9966.

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