Wiltshire | Archive | 2002 | November | 26
From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Tuesday 26th Nov 2002.
DEMAND for business start-up advice has rocketed in Swindon and Wiltshire since the start of April.
And advisers at Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire are predicting more of the same for the final quarter of the year.
Between April and October, demand for start-up advice was up 31 per cent compared with the same period last year.
Tony Way, manager at Busi-ness Link Berkshire and Wilt-shire, said: "Despite recent redundancy announcements in Swindon the town has shown a particularly large increase in start-ups compared with the rest of the county.
"I think this demonstrates the many advantages that Swindon offers.
"It has good rail connections, a growing pool of high quality staff and the growth of service and supply companies to such a wide range of sectors.
"It is obvious in its attraction as a great place to do business.
"I think Swindon will continue to show its potential for business.
"Start-up businesses can find what they need here in terms of business potential and support.
"The exceptional increase also reflects the continued stability and confidence in the UK economy.
"Many of the people we see have an underlying confidence in the economy, believing that now is the time to set up their own business if they are ever going to do so.
"The greatest demand is coming from people planning to set up small consultancy services. But I do have a concern that that sector may become saturated if this con- tinues.
"The critical thing is for start-up businesses to make absolutely sure that they have researched their market fully, and are crystal clear about what they are offering, to whom and how they will be different if they are to carve out a sustainable position in the market."
n Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire provides information, advice and access to experts on all issues relating to running or setting up a business.
Details 0845 600 41 41 or visit Business Link's web site www.blbw.co.uk
© Newsquest Media Group 2008