COMPANIES using Business Link Yorkshire are increasing sales and profits as a result, according to latest research.

Figures show that firm using Business Link are twice as likely to report improved performance as those that did not.

The surveys also found that almost 90% of clients in established businesses said they would not have been able to obtain a similar level of support elsewhere.

Firms helped by Business Link added £84.2m to the regional economy – averaging at an additional £17,000 each.

Helen West, chief executive of Business Link Yorkshire said the clear message was that businesses using the service were more successful, were coping with the recession better and were more optimistic about taking advantage of the upturn.

Since its inception in 2008, Business Link has worked with more than 110,000 businesses each year. Satisfaction with Business Link services has improved from 87% to 92%, with a 94% score for the business events it organises.

The independent surveys commissioned by Yorkshire Forward, Evaluation of Business Link Services in Yorkshire and Humber and the National Business Survey, asked Business Link Yorkshire customers to provide feedback on the service and the impact it has had on their performance.

It showed that more than 85% of Business Link Yorkshire customers would recommend the service to others and 57% already have.