With Summer now upon us, businesses in the East Midlands are being urged to take a fresh look at their companies with a FREE Business Link review.

To stay ahead of the competition, business owners need to ensure everything at their company is working as well as it should be and Stephen Smith, Chief Executive of EMB Ltd, the organisation responsible for delivering the regional Business Link service, said now was the perfect time to do so.

He said, "In today's challenging economic climate, it's even more important that our businesses receive the support they need to start, survive and grow. To stay competitive and grow successfully, businesses need to look for new and improved ways of doing things and summer is the perfect time to step back, review and cast a critical eye over their processes to ensure they are all in good working order and identify where improvements can be made. In fact, our FREE Business review could identify future improvements and opportunities that can help you shine above your competitors."

Business Link is urging local companies to register their interest online at www.businesslink.gov.uk/eastmidlands/businessreview  which will then be followed up by an in-depth, one-to-one review with a Business Link adviser.

And many East Midlands businesses have already realised the benefits of working with Business Link. 

Its team of advisers have carried out over 5,000 business reviews over the last year as part of its drive to help local enterprises increase their competitiveness and ride out the recession. Customer service was also given a thumbs up with a 90% satisfaction rate.

Stephen added, "Looking ahead and developing better systems, whether that's in driving new sales or improving your marketing, is critical to business growth. 

By working with one of our experienced advisers, local companies can get an impartial objective viewpoint and access a wealth of support to bring about changes that could benefit their organisation and help it to grow."

Business Link remains the gateway to business support in the region and can advise companies on business issues that could benefit from some attention, from accessing finance, cash flow and marketing to innovation, employment and training. Its dedicated team of experienced locally based advisers works with companies to help them realise their potential for growth.