Businesses access support to defy the downturn and survive and thrive

2009 may have brought its challenges, but there are entrepreneurs and business people across the East Midlands that have defied the downturn by successfully starting up or growing their businesses.

One such business is East Midlands based pram, baby products and nursery equipment retailer, W&W Tots to Go. They started up in 2007, initially selling their produces at local markets. In 2009, they opened their first store in Nottingham's Victoria Centre and are now set to become one of the largest independent nursery retailers in Nottingham, according to Managing Director, Wayne Lambley.

Wayne says: "The business and our reputation grew very fast and we decided it was the right time to move into a retail unit and ever since it has gone from strength to strength." With such rapid growth, Wayne contacted the regional Business Link service to discuss how they could help him manage the business development.

He explains: "Business Link has been very helpful. Many people told us it was a brave decision to open up our own store during the recession so I was looking for independent impartial advice to reassure me.

If you manage things carefully and seek good, impartial advice from sources you can rely on, like Business Link, the recession can have a positive side. It makes you focus on the business as a whole and you tend to be more disciplined - we have to re-evaluate, adhere to strategic financial plans, monitor costs and really deliver to the consumer. My local Business Link adviser discussed a number of business issues and directed me to further specialist sources of assistance and advice and helped us to access a wide range of information on retail related issues such as credit and debit card machines."

John O'Reilly, Business Support Director at East Midlands Development Agency (emda), which funds Business Link, said: "I know that it has been a very tough year for businesses in the region. That is why Business Link has been working with a record number of businesses, providing the support that they need to not only survive the recession, but also to be in a healthy position to develop and grow as the economic situation starts to improve."

Stephen Smith, Chief Executive of EMB Ltd, the organisation responsible for delivering the regional Business Link service on behalf of emda says: "2009 was certainly a busy year at Business Link. Now, more than ever, businesses across the East Midlands should take advantage of the help and support available. Recent surveys have shown the quantifiable difference that businesses believe we can actually make to their bottom line.

"The recession has been tough but also raises valuable opportunities for those creative entrepreneurs and businesses that take the time to spot a gap in the market. It's all about finding and exploiting those opportunities, as well as not underestimating the value of accessing the free help and support available. The key message is businesses should not try and struggle alone."

From April 2008 to March 2009 the regional Business Link service reached a staggering 82,165 customers while www.businesslink.gov.uk/eastmidlands attracted over 148,316 visitors during the same time - proving to be one of the East Midlands favourite sites to access business information and advice.