Dear customer,

As you are aware, all local Business Link services are closing on 25th November and customers will be served by a national web-based service via the existing website - www.businesslink.gov.uk.

Since the East of England service was established in April 2007, we have annually supported around 100,000 businesses to start, improve and grow. This has only been possible with the help of you, our brokerage suppliers. That’s why I want to take this opportunity to thank you for working with us.

With your help, the service in this region has consistently met or exceeded all performance targets and objectives. In doing so, we have been able to provide businesses and entrepreneurs with the highest quality information and support. Testament to this are customer satisfaction levels which, for the past 18 months, have been in excess of 90% and currently stand at 94% across all services.

When I look back over the last few years, I am extremely proud of what we have achieved working with you. Our philosophy of regionally managed, locally delivered, has enabled us to work hand-in-glove with you to focus our support where it was needed most. From working through the credit crunch to provide a tailored package of support, to developing start-up services that focused on high-growth and re-focussing our efforts on in-depth support; all of which has made a difference to the local economy.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), who are responsible for Business Link, have not released any details of a national supplier database. Therefore, to keep up-to-date with the latest information on the changes government are making to business support services, register for the Department of Business, Innovation & Skills newsletter: www.bis.gov.uk/site/connect/newsletters/business-improvement

All that remains is to wholeheartedly wish you well for the future in supporting local business and entrepreneurs to make a positive impact on the local economy.

Kind regards

Pat Smith
Chief Executive