Service Provider Register is largest in country

A register which provides companies in the region with easy access to business development support now has 1,000 members.

The North-East England Service Provider Register (NEESPR) has grown to be the biggest register of business support in the country since it was set up by One NorthEast at the beginning of 2006.

The register, which is free to service-providers, was set up to help business support networks such as Business Link North-East (BLNE) source expert assistance for their customers.

Through the one central facility, BLNE brokers are able to search NEESPR on behalf of their customers to help find the service providers they need, quickly and impartially.

John King, partnerships senior specialist at One NorthEast, said: "The register is an easy way for businesses to find the best and most appropriate service provider to meet their needs.

"Each provider earns a star rating depending on how well they perform, which helps customers make informed decisions when buying in business support.

"All the customer has to do is approach Business Link, tell them what they're looking for, and the broker will use the register to provide a choice of potential providers. The customer then chooses who they want to work with."

Mr King said: "It is widely recognised that businesses who seek external support tend to be more successful.

Local companies have a massive role to play in the economic development of this region, and they need as much support as possible."