THIS week I’m delighted to tell you about a major new business advice service launching in Dorset, writes DCCI chief executive Ian Girling.

The Dorset Growth Hub will provide impartial information and high quality advice to businesses across the county and will support both start-ups and established businesses.

The service will also have a major focus on businesses with real growth potential. Over two years ago the government closed Business Link.

Since then the business support environment has frankly been confusing and disparate. Businesses haven’t known where to go to find publicly-funded advice.

One of the most valuable elements of Business Link was the one-stop shop – a single point of contact for businesses to access advice.

This has been much-missed and I personally feel this is essential in helping business owners find advice and support.

There are a plethora of business support programmes but it is so difficult for business owners to know what is actually available and how to access that support.

The Dorset Growth Hub, delivered in partnership by Dorset Chamber and WSX Enterprise, provides an essential one-stop shop for businesses seeking advice as well as more comprehensive support for businesses with real aspirations to grow.

The Growth Hub is delivered through a comprehensive website, telephone and face to face support and there are two main elements to the service.

The service is free as it is funded through the Regional Growth Fund, reporting to and overseen by the Dorset LEP. Contact the Dorset Growth Hub by calling 08454 586480 or by going online and visiting dorset growthhub.co.uk