by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Business advice services will be provided across Kent and the south east by a single agency from April.

As reported by KentOnline last year, Serco, a £2bn services company that also runs Docklands Light Railway, is taking over Business Link Kent (BLK) and other Links in the region.

Most existing BLK staff, based at Kings Hill, West Malling, are expected to transfer to Serco, although others will stay with the remaining parts of the organisation now known as Business Support.

Serco already runs Business Links in the South West and London, and the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) wanted a single agency as part of the the Government's simplification programme.

The three-year £80 million contract aims to build on existing Business Link work to make businesses more productive, competitive and profitable.

Last year, the outgoing Business Links gave advice and support to 155,000 businesses and entrepreneurs across the region. Serco has been told to boost the quality and quantity of these services.

SEEDA says businesses will benefit from higher investment in frontline advice that will reach a bigger number of businesses. It also pledges more intensive one-to-one support.

Pam Alexander, SEEDA chief executive, said Hampshire-based Serco had an extensive track record and was confident that business support would "go from strength to strength."

She said: "The new Business Link contract comes at a pivotal time for the economy in the South East. The enhanced services will provide a great boost to South East businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs, delivering solid foundations for growth and preparing businesses for the upturn."

The outgoing BLK team is working closely with Serco to ensure a smooth handover and Serco’s Martijn (corr)Noordewier (corr) pledged to "develop and enhance the range of services."

Bob Jones, managing director of BLK, said last year he was disappointed to lose the contract but promised that Business Support would continue to provide excellent services to Kent. It plans to move from its existing premises.