PLENTY OF FIGHT IN NORTH WEST BUSINESSES

BUSINESS Link Northwest has reported a massive increase in enquiries concerning finance and marketing where showing that businesses in the region are determined to beat the recession.

In the last quarter, telephone and email enquiries to the business support service relating to finance and cash flow issues have leapt up by 29.7%, while there has also been a significant increase in enquiries relating to sales and marketing, which has risen by 33.6%.

The Business Link service is used by a third of businesses in the region, which are looking for access to information and support to maintain and grow their company.

Peter Watson, Managing Director at Business Link Northwest says:- “These statistics say a lot about the fighting spirit and determination that businesses in the North West are displaying. Our telephone brokers are dealing with an increase in calls looking for guidance on finance support and increasing sales or profile in particular, as well as support with other business issues. It’s important for businesses that may need some extra help to seek support as early as possible. Our company health check can spot early warning signs, identify problem areas or even just give the business owner peace of mind by confirming that all is well. We want to help local companies to emerge from the downturn strong and competitive, and it is well worth going through the health check process as it can be a first step to guarding your business against the recession.”

Recent announcements made by Government have streamlined and increased the level of support available to the region’s businesses, with a growing package of ‘Real Help for Business’ accessed via Business Link Northwest. This package includes small loans for business, grants for business investment and funding for training and development through Train to Gain.

Business Link Northwest has also boosted the financial support available through its Access to Finance service which diagnoses the financial needs of businesses, helps them develop funding strategies and enhances their appeal to lenders and investors.

Peter Watson added that:- “Our growing portfolio of products and services has been developed to meet the needs of local entrepreneurs and existing businesses alike. We want North West businesses to be assured that there is support available to help them get through the challenging times ahead.”

Recognising that businesses don’t just operate ‘9 to 5’ the service can be accessed by telephone on 0845 00 66 888 and via email from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, as well as from 8am to 2pm at weekend and bank holidays.

COMIC RELIEF FROM PRESTON COMIC

PRESTON Comedian Dan Nightingale will play Comic Relief special at Stand & Deliver Comedy Club at 53 Degrees on Friday 13 March 2009. Red Noses will be available on the night, so come along and ‘pick your nose’!  Dan Nightingale is widely regarded as one of the hottest comic talents on the comedy circuit. He delivers quick witted, high octane material with charm and real rapport with the audience. He has toured with the likes of Ross Noble and Nightingale is the regular compere at Manchester’s Frog and Bucket. Dan is now embarking on his first national tour and where better to bring it than his home turf of Preston. With his new show he will be doing what is considered unthinkable for most comedians, a show with no theme. However, Dan Nightingale isn’t most comedians!   The night will be hosted by Stand & Deliver at 53 Degrees, Lancashire’s largest Comedy Club. With candle lit cabaret seating and great drinks promotions, Stand & Deliver is a truly alternative night out. When this hilarious comedian last performed at 53 Degrees he was completely sold out. Group booking is available at all Stand & Deliver shows. To get reserved priority seating and discounts for groups of 8 or more contact:- comedy@53degrees.net.

Ticket Info:-  Doors 8pm, Advanced Tickets NUS £6 / Public £8 - 18+

MISSING:- CHRISTINE ARMSTRONG

MERSEYSIDE Police have contacted the media after becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of 43 year old, Christine Armstrong who has been missing from her home in Southport since Wednesday, 25 February 2009.

She was last seen at her home on Hampton Road at about 7.30am. Christine's disappearance is out of character for her.

Christine is described as white, 5ft 4 in tall and of slim build with shoulder length mousy coloured hair.

She has grey/blue eyes and a pale complexion. She was last seen wearing a floral tan coloured gypsy top with three quarter length sleeves and dark jeans. She is believed to have been carrying a black holdall type handbag.

Christine has not been in touch with any family or friends since leaving her property.

She is known to frequent the Southport (Sefton) area.

Police would urge Christina or anyone who may have seen her since Wednesday, 25 February 2009 to contact them on:- 0151 777 4676 or please phone Missing People on:- 0500 700700.