2 June 2005
A cross-government website set up to provide business related information and support has received more than eight million visits in its first year.
The businesslink.gov.uk site contains contributions from over 40 government departments and agencies, including Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
Figures reveal that around 650,000 small businesses use the site each month, a figure continually rising according to research.
Advice is offered on a range of subjects such as starting up, taxes, returns and payroll, IT and e-commerce.
Employers can also look up advice on recruitment issues while staff can research rights and regulations.
Mark Holden, eServices Director, Business Link said: "One of our key successes has been developing a site that is written from a business' perspective, and truly helps both pre start ups and established entrepreneurs to improve their knowledge and understanding of the issues affecting their business' growth."
Jim Murphy, Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office, added: "businesslink.gov.uk is an excellent example of how IT can provide efficient delivery of public services for citizens and businesses.
"The government is determined to transform the way we provide information so that businesses can not only grow and develop but also comply with business regulations quickly and easily."
Research into the site's visitors' habits revealed that 90 per cent believed using the site offers real time and cost savings.
Nearly 85 per cent also said that the information provided gives them the confidence to grow and develop their business.© DeHavilland Information Services plc
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