EEDA - East of England Development Agency

Business support landscape taking shape in the East of England

31 March 2009

Richard Ellis, chair of the business-led East of England Development Agency (EEDA) has today welcomed the Government’s roll-out of a new ‘blueprint’ for simpler business support provision across the region.

‘Solutions for Business’ will make it easier for companies; small and large, new and existing, to find the right products for help with common business issues – everything from getting started to gaining finance, getting help with exports to raising skills levels. Over 3,000 schemes are being condensed down to an opening 30 simple options, making the point of access faster and simpler for businesses. Business Link, funded in this region by EEDA, remains the first port of call for businesses seeking this help.

Chair of EEDA, Richard Ellis said:

“Simplifying the route to business support is absolutely critical, particularly during tougher times when companies need help more than ever. But it’s not just about helping businesses to weather the current storm, it’s crucial that businesses are supported in preparing for the inevitable upturn. Recent uptake in EEDA’s Innovation Vouchers and Grants for Research and Development – both of which are prominent features under the ‘Solutions for Business’ blueprint – shows that the East of England will be in a strong position to capitalise when market conditions improve.”

Minister for Business, Ian Pearson said:

"To succeed in a competitive global environment UK businesses need ongoing access to help and support. The streamlined Solutions for Business portfolio makes it simpler for businesses to access the help they need, providing long-term, sustainable, support to business".

Businesses seeking support in the East of England should contact Business Link on 08457 17 16 15.

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