WHILE health checks are an important aspect of many peoplefs lives, assessing the health of a business is often forgotten.

As with physical health, identifying and tackling symptoms early is the best medicine.

To increase the chance of survival and success, Business Link offers a free interactive business health check at businesslink.gov.uk/northeast It can be used to analyse key areas, including finance and administration, with the aim of identifying and avoiding future problems and improving business performance.

The easy-to-use online check asks a number of questions which help identify potential difficulties before they arise.

For example, should the health check reveal a high staff turnover and trouble associated with unplanned absences, Business Link can provide guidance on improving staff retention, managing absence and sickness or dealing with stress.

The website enables businesses to access key information at the touch of a button, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

However, entrepreneurs requiring a more detailed discussion of their business needs are invited to contact out team directly.

Our account managers are available to review business performance, provide one-to-one guidance and identify support.

By identifying a businessf strengths and improvement needs, a Business Link advisor can help focus valuable resources on the activities that deliver the most benefits for growth and profitability.

Business Linkfs substantial team of expert brokers operate across the region in local access points and on a mobile basis.

For further information about Business Link visit businesslink.gov.uk/ northeast or call 0845-600-9006.

Jill Lee is operations manager for Business Link.