BUSINESS start-up and management consultancy Walker Hall Associates has been appointed by the Government to validate the quality of business advice in a neighbouring region.

Walker Hall Associates, of Middlesbrough, will assess 60 business advisors in Humberside as part of the Small Firms Economic Development Initiative.

The move is part of efforts to confirm the high standards now being achieved by Business Link organisations following changes introduced by the Government last year.

Walker Hall boss Jeff Fitzpatrick said: "The Government is taking very positive and robust action to ensure that the small firms advice system, which it is funding, is offering a good quality service."