Business Link for Essex has responded to demand for out-of-hours business advice by launching a new information service in the evenings and at weekends.

Out-of-hours: From left:Councillor Bonny Hart, Cabinet Member for Lifelong Learning and Libraries; Pat Smith, Chief Executive of Business Link for Essex and Dr Margaret Keeling, Head of Libraries, Heritage and Culture, Essex Library Service.

In recognition of the fact that small business owners usually work beyond the normal working day, the new service will be able to field enquiries from any business and provide information by telephone or e-mail.

The free service is available by calling 0845 717 16 15 and the new opening hours are: Monday to Friday: 5pm to 7pm; Saturday: 9am to 5pm and Sunday: 12.30 to 4.30pm.

Pat Smith, Chief Executive of Business link for Essex said: "Recognising that many of our small business clients do not work a nine-to-five day, we are delighted to be working in partnership with Essex Libraries to provide this new extended hours service."

Councillor Bonny Hart, Cabinet Member for Libraries in Essex County Council, said: "The Council is seeking continually to improve its services to the people of Essex, and to support businesses who are key to the present and future prosperity of the county.

"I am pleased that this initiative fulfils these aims, particularly as it's being done in partnership with colleagues at Business Link."

Published Thursday September 11, 2003