Business Link is committed to providing specialist support to key sectors in the region including Tourism and Hospitality. This sector makes a significant contribution to the regional economy and Business Link is dedicated to helping even more tourism businesses to start-up, develop and grow.

Here Business Link adviser Stephen Gibson looks at how Business Link can offer tailored support to tourism businesses in Tees Valley and the wider region.

By working with the region's tourism entrepreneurs to develop ideas, start new businesses and grow their companies, Business Link helps customers improve their skills and encourage long term business development which will have real impact on the North East tourism economy. Ultimately, we work to help the region's tourism sector get the most out of their businesses.

For those looking to start out in tourism or for established tourism businesses Business Link can support all aspects of running a company, whether it is a guest house, a large hotel, a museum or a leisure complex.

Business Link provides support on a range of business topics from marketing and finance to staff training and business improvement projects. As regional experts, we can also signpost customers to other specialist tourism services.

As many tourism businesses run 24/7, our team of over 130 advisers work on a mobile basis throughout the region and are able to visit businesses when it is most convenient. With a number of access points businesses can also drop in to use the service.

All businesses, no matter what sector they work in, can access a high quality and responsive team with the local knowledge, experience and understanding to help you get the most from your business.

Business Link has a team of expert advisers who offer advice, help and information to individuals and companies across the region, giving them access to the ‘business brains’ who will help to get their business idea off the ground, or grow their existing company. For further information about Business Link visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast or call 0845 600 9 006.