More get the benefits of our support

Feb 25 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal

THE number of firms coming forward to get financial help and advice in the North East has increased significantly since One North East launched the 'Real Help for Business Now' with backing from nebusiness.

The awareness raising campaign designed to signpost companies to Business Link to get help during the downturn has seen a 20% increase in new visitors to the website and saw almost 3,500 people calling the Business Link hotline during the first fortnight of the campaign.

Every day for the past four weeks The Journal has carried good news stories about firms getting support to survive and grow and has also featured the new funds being made available by One North East and its partners to aid companies.

Carrying the distinctive Real Help for Business Now strapline stories ranging from the management buy-out that saved Cheviot Foods in Amble to Henry Cooper Coaches in Northumberland who used Business Link to help them find new work following the loss of a major contract have been highlighted in the business section of The Journal each day and have successfully driven readers to the Business Link number.

One North East chairman Margaret Fay said: “There has never been such as concerted effort by the public sector to provide vital support to businesses and people. One North East is investing £46m over the next two years to help them deal with the effects of the recession, in addition to our normal business support activities.

“Making sure businesses know where to get this help is critical, and we have been delighted with the response to the campaign to date and we appreciate the role The Journal have played in highlighting the support available.”