BUSINESS Link Wessex has launched a new dedicated telephone advice service to help small and medium-sized businesses.

Although aimed primarily at SMEs, the team of advisers will offer free direct advice to all businesses in Dorset and Hampshire.

One adviser, Tony Latham, said: "The service is available free of charge to all businesses in the Wessex region.

"We are on the end of the line to offer general business advice from financial planning to marketing, through to advice on specific legislation."

The service will also recognise and highlight a firm's needs, and if necessary signpost the business to additional services or support.

"Many of the enquiries can be satisfied over the telephone, but where necessary we can arrange for a visit, sign up callers to seminars or courses, or refer them to third parties who can assist further with their specific enquiry."

Mr Latham added: "I see myself almost as a GP for small and medium-sized businesses.

"They know we are independent and have no axe to grind, and as such they can use us to bounce ideas off.

"For example, if a start up business needs a 'sanity check' on their business plan before approaching their bank manager, we can run through it, highlight any missing information and give them a feel for the sort of questions they may be asked."

The team will be expanded over the coming months to include dedicated workforce development advisers to offer support on training, legislation and employee development.

For free help call Business Advice Direct on 08454 588558.