MORE than 250 would-be entrepreneurs in Merseyside sought help from Business Link Northwest every month to develop their business idea.
Almost 2,500 people engaged with the business support agency from April to December last year – an increase of 93% on the same period last year.
Peter Watson, managing director of Business Link Northwest, said: “An upturn in the number of people that have engaged with us about starting a business is promising news for Merseyside as it shows that the county’s entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well.
“Year-on-year, the number of enquiries has nearly doubled in the Merseyside area. It’s not just because people are insecure about their job. Starting your own business is becoming more of a popular choice.
“Some of it is based on insecurity. People aren’t as secure as they used to be. But that’s always there.
“I do think that people have more courage and ambition to take a chance. In difficult times, we have seen that spirit come through more.”
Business Link Northwest’s figures also show a slight increase in the number of Merseyside companies using the service, with almost 13,000 local businesses working with the service from April to December – a 3% increase on the same period in 2008.
This included working on a one-to-one intensive basis with almost 1,500 firms.
“As we move into economic recovery, our advisers are providing vital guidance to businesses looking to expand and develop,” said Mr Watson.
“Supporting companies with their ambitions for growth will help to stimulate the local economy, creating new jobs which will benefit everyone.
“Businesses in Merseyside are seeing the value of the Business Link service and the increase in engagements show the service is fit for purpose.”
Business Link Northwest was created in 2007, bringing together five agencies which separately covered each county in the region.
THE March edition of the LDP Business magazine – out tomorrow with the Liverpool Daily Post – includes a special focus on the role of Business Link Northwest in the region’s economic development.
