BUSINESS Link has welcomed a new report demonstrating the value to Hampshire companies of taking professional advice.

According to the Government-commissioned study, "The Economic Impact of Business Link Local Service", small firms that make use of Business Link grow their enterprise, increase their employee numbers and add value to the economy.

Two-thirds of companies that had received in-depth support from Business Link said that it had been the "crucial factor" in bringing about change within their business. Two-fifths reported benefits that they would not have achieved without Business Link assistance.

"This research confirms other studies that clearly show the value of accessing business support," said Deborah Wyatt, director at Business Link in Hampshire.

"For instance, customer surveys in the South-East reveal satisfaction ratings standing at 90 per cent, with 74 per cent saying they would definitely recommend Business Link or had already done so."

The latest economic impact study of more than 3,000 small businesses also showed that every £1 of government money spent on the services delivered by Business Link resulted in a £2.26 boost to the economy.

The impact for Business Link customers was also found to be long-term with around half expecting the benefits of the help they had received to accumulate over future years.

For access to the information, advice and support needed to start up, maintain and grow a business, log on to www.

businesslink.gov.uk/southeast or call 0845 6009006.