NICK Paul, the Malvern-based chairman of Advan-tage West Midlands, has visited the headquarters of the new Business Link West Midlands which has been set up to help companies in Worcestershire start up and grow.

Business Link West Mid-lands was launched at the beginning of April. It offers a single access point for all business, skills and manufacturing advice with the latest technology to provide businesses with the right expertise when they need it.

As the driving force behind the setting up of the new service, Advantage West Midlands has tasked the organisation with adding an additional £400 million to the local economy.

Mr Paul visited the headquarters at the Waterfront, Brierley Hill, West Mid-lands, and met the heads of the service Tony Lucas, chief executive of the Gateway, and Lorraine Holmes, chief executive of the Brokerage.

Mr Paul said: "Many people thought the establishment of the new West Midlands Business Link could not be done but the first two months have shown that businesses in Worcestershire are welcoming the improvements.

"Already, thousands of businesses have accessed the help on offer and the bringing together of the Manufacturing Advisory Service and the Learning and Skills Council's Train to Gain programme has brought every facet of business support under one roof. Our vision for Busi-ness Link West Midlands is being achieved and I am confident that a record number of companies will be helped to start up and grow."