Pictured above: John O'Reilly

Figures revealed from a number of separate reports show that businesses believe they save time, increase their sales and raise profits as a direct result of using the Business Link service.

Huge numbers of business owners and budding entrepreneurs are turning to the service. Across the UK, the regional network of Business Link providers reached a staggering 942,000 customers in the 2008/2009 period and businesslink.gov.uk hosted more than 14 million visits, proving itself as a favourite site for business.

The recent surveys asked Business Link customers to provide feedback on the service and the impact it has had on their business. The figures clearly demonstrate the service is making a difference to the bottom line of businesses across the country, which are reporting that they:

 SAVED MONEY: they saved roughly 5.7 million hours (which they valued at approx £121m) and £158 million in cost savings by using the free information and advice on the Business Link website

 INCREASED THEIR PROFITS: they attributed additional sales of £360 million and increased profits of £54 million to using the information and guidance on the website

 SAVED VALUABLE TIME: the advisory service saved them valuable time researching and gathering information - an average of 17 hours per customer

 BENEFITED FROM A FREE HEALTH CHECK: 95,000 businesses accessed a free "Health Check" through which they were offered an impartial, objective assessment of their business performance.

John O'Reilly, Business Support Director at East Midlands Development Agency (emda), which funds and manages the Business Link service in the region, said: "These results demonstrate that businesses really value the quality of support that Business Link provides. At emda we recognise the vital importance of Business Link, which is why, over the past 12 months, the service has supported a record number of businesses in the region. 

"Over 80,000 business people in the region had dealings with Business Link over the last year, and an estimated 4,300 new jobs have also been created as a direct result of support received from the service. Business Link is playing a crucial role in helping businesses in the East Midlands to not only get through the recession, but also to ensure that they are in a good position to develop and grow when economic conditions improve." 

Stephen Smith, Chief Executive of EMB Ltd,  the organisation responsible for delivering the regional Business Link service across the East Midlands added, "Our core activities focus on providing access to information, advice and support to help businesses to start, grow and prosper. We are part of a national network delivering a regional service through local advisers. Through Business Link, companies can access the knowledge and expertise to deliver real benefits and solutions for their business."

Trade, Investment and Small Business Minister Lord Davies added: "Business Link is a vital resource for businesses, however big or small, providing them with the advice and support they need and enabling them to run their businesses more efficiently."