SUCCESSFUL businesses always have one eye on emerging trends – being up-to-date with new ideas and technologies certainly make it easier to keep ahead of the game.
Smart companies would also do well to contact Business Link – a vital service for anyone looking for help to start or grow their business. And, with funding still available for a limited period, now is the time to act.
As well as helping businesses and entrepreneurs to grow and diversify, Business Link is also there to support those thinking of introducing new technologies – an innovative practice its own right. By checking what new technologies are available in your sector you could give your business a competitive advantage that will set you aside in a crowded market place.
Business Link’s The Innovation, Advice and Guidance Fund (IAGF) could prove the ideal route to apply for support to introduce new technologies, perhaps to help step it up a gear via improved business processes, increased efficiency and productivity or developing new products and services meets customer demands and needs.
Business that fail to innovate by keeping up to date with emerging technologies run the risk of losing market share, decreased productivity and efficiency, the loss of key staff and reducing margins and profits.
The IAGF is there to help existing businesses identify opportunities.
There is also a limited amount of time to apply for other funds through Business Link. The Intensive Start Up Support fund is aimed at businesses trading for up to six months to help with branding and corporate identity as well as financial planning and mentoring among other services.
The Starting a High Growth Business fund is aimed at people thinking of launching a business within six months, or for businesses which have been trading for less than six months. It helps with consultancy support, process development and financial planning.
For further information about how Business Link can help you grow your business and access finance and call 0845 600 9 006 or visit www.bl-ne.co.uk
The Business Link service is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
:: Irene Earle, head of investment services Business Link advisor
