THIS New Year the Daily Echo is resolved to join a major regionwide campaign to boost enterprise.

Driven by the South West of England Regional Development Agency and delivered by Business Link, the campaign will provide essential help for people starting businesses and those with ambitions to see their businesses really succeed.

Daily Echo business editor Tim Saunders said: "We are delighted to partner with Business Link in mounting a strong information campaign.

"Our aim is to highlight help that is available, supporting people who are resolved to launch and grow businesses in Dorset.

"Small, growing businesses are the lifeblood of the local economy. Our future prosperity and quality of life rests on our ability to ensure they continue to thrive."

Funded by the South West RDA, this campaign aims to find new and innovative ways to reach and encourage entrepreneurs.

Planned initiatives include:

  • Street advisers. Inspired by the TV Street Doctor programme, Business Link advisers will go out into the community, providing advice and support.
  • Costa Coffee events. Through a special link-up with this leading coffee retailer, Business Link will offer a series of special coffee briefing events - and plans to provide business guides at venues across the region.
  • Business guides. A series of special business guides will be produced covering all that businesses need to know to deal with key issues and challenges that they face.
  • Radio awareness campaign. During February, an awareness campaign will run on radio, providing help and support.

Podcasts, e-bulletins, web-based support - a comprehensive range of electronic media will support this campaign.

Rosemary Wells, director of business services for the South West RDA, said: "Everything we achieve as a region depends in some way on the dynamism of business.

"Our existing businesses and those people starting and running new businesses must be given every opportunity to make the most of all the support that is available to them.

"We are supporting this innovative campaign to encourage enterprising individuals and organisations to take advantage of the help and advice available and to use Business Link to help them achieve this."

Jonathan Morris, general manager of Business Link in Dorset, said: "Business Link exists to support the activities, ambitions and objectives of local entrepreneurs by ensuring that they have access to the support they need to achieve.

"We provide a vital first point of contact for all businesses needing help and guidance as well as in-depth support to help turn plans into reality.

"Our strength is that we work in partnership with the full range of private and public sector organisations in delivering this support.

"We have made significant steps in increasing our presence in the business community and Business Link now helps over 90,000 new or existing businesses in the South West each year.

"We are determined to build on this and offer information and advice to support the thriving small business community in the South West.

"This collaborative campaign, including vital backing from the Daily Echo, reflects our commitment to work with partners to ensure people starting, running or growing businesses get the support they really need."

  • The Daily Echo launches the campaign next week with a feature focusing on how to start a new business, with advice from experienced Business Link advisers.