Start-up inquiries soar at Business Link

SMALL service sector businesses are the focus of people looking to start up new enterprises in 2011, according to Business Link Yorkshire.

The business support organisation is seeing a growing number of inquiries from people looking to start low cost enterprises from home.

Karen Marsden, head of Business Link Yorkshire’s customer information centre, said: “We are seeing a trend in pre-starts wanting to set up service sector businesses, involving minimal overheads, such as accountants or virtual PAs.

“There is also an increase in individuals looking to set up on a part-time basis over a six to 12 month period to test the water before committing to full time.”

Job losses and public sector spending cuts are thought to be the key factors driving individuals to consider setting up on their own.

Business Link Yorkshire said more than 60% of inquiries are currently from people considering starting a business with access to funding remaining one of the key challenges they face.

The organisation has also seen a rise in the number of calls it is receiving from businesses asking about website development and online shopping.