At dotUK we have have worked with a number of projects over the years that have had funding sourced throught the local Teesvalley and North East Business Link advisors, obviosuly this is an avenue that is changing with the closure of regional Business Advisory Service, so we're taking the opportunity to re-publish an update we have received this morning;

"Following recent Government announcements regarding the future provision of business support, I would like to update you on the services we’re currently delivering and clarify the range of support available now to you and your customers.

The Government announced last month that the regional Business Link advisory service will close at the end of November 2011 and will be streamlined into a national Business Link web-based offering and contact centre.

However, until then for the region’s Business Link service, our priority is to continue working on behalf of North East businesses whilst working with the Government to ensure that there is a smooth transition to the online support at www.businesslink.gov.uk and the accompanying contact centre.

We’re keen to emphasise that the Business Link service will remain open for business until the end of November and will continue to offer the same level of support and guidance for new and existing customers across the region.

The Business Link team here has consistently delivered exceptional results and we remain committed to offering the very best advice and assistance to existing businesses and budding entrepreneurs across the region. That support, which can be accessed by calling 0845 600 9 006 or visiting www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast, includes:

• Intensive face-to-face advice and support for established businesses looking to develop and grow
• A range of tailored events and seminars at venues across the region
• Access to information and advice for all businesses in the North East by telephone, email, newsletters and Business Link's website.
• Start up support for budding entrepreneurs, which includes tailored workshops to encourage people to start new enterprises in the region.

The Business Link service is one of the many contracts we deliver here at Business & Enterprise North East. And through all of our services including the North East England Investment Centre, The Regional International Trade Office operated on behalf of UKTI and Compete North East, this year, we remain focused on expanding the North East’s private sector – continuing to make businesses more competitive, creating sustainable jobs and helping more budding entrepreneurs start successful businesses.

The Business & Enterprise North East team is now actively working with key regional partners to develop the next generation of business improvement services, driven by the needs of the North East’s business community.

Over the next few months there will be some profound changes to business support and Business & Enterprise North East will be working hard to improve and stimulate the opportunities available to the region’s business community. As well as the services currently on offer, we will also be introducing new services, initiatives and sources of information to help SMEs fulfil their potential.

Although we’re now diversifying and developing our markets, our key focus continues to be on helping more businesses in the North East to start, succeed and grow. We will continue to make sure that the services we operate in the region and the relationships we have built with you, our local partners, generate the greatest possible impact."

If you have any projects in mind that might be eligible for funding, or Business Support here in the North East then please don't hesitate to contact us.  We can still operate with you and put you in touch with a local Business LInk advisor who will be best placed to advise as to the current situation.