Ongoing support in Dorset
UpdateIn order to keep you up to date on the upcoming changes to Business Link and how this will effect you, we have provided the following information:

* The future of Business Link in Dorset
* Changes to the Business Link website
* Keeping up to date by signing up to our newsletter

The future of Business Link in Dorset
In January the Government announced its plans to provide business support. Part of this future support will be the continuation of the national Business Link website as well as a new national contact centre. The Government has confirmed its intention to close the existing regional Business Link services from 25th November 2011.

From April through to November 2011, we will be offering a full Business Link service in Dorset, which will ensure that businesses across the region have access to support until the new national arrangements come into place.

The Business Link services available in Dorset until November 2011 will include:

* Ongoing support through our Customer Support Centre (0845 600 9966) providing information, advice and access to all services
* BusinessXchange and Rural Business Clubs
* Support for pre-start and new businesses including our 3 day course
* One to one advice service with an experienced business adviser
* Specialist advice service for high growth businesses
* A continuing programme of seminars and events for businesses on a wide range of key business issues.
* Improving your Resource Efficiency Environmental advice service
* business i enewsletter free subscription to keep you up to date on developments, business advice and tips

Changes to the Business Link website
From April the regional Business Link South West website at www.businesslink.gov.uk/southwest will move to www.businesslink.gov.uk and host limited information on our local services. A number of enhancements are planned for the Business Link website (businesslink.gov.uk), which will provide an improved experience for business users. These include:

* A business start-up hub, including simple journeys, online training and support, access to online incorporation, simpler enrolment for tax and a new tax 'dashboard' enabling businesses to keep up with their tax position in one place
* Notification of public sector tendering opportunities through Contracts Finder (available now at www.businesslink.gov.uk/contractsfinder)
* Better, clearer information on government regulation