The single number helpline to give businesses in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire the support and advice they need to develop and prosper has launched today.

The new number 0300 111 8002 which was first announced at the beginning of the year, will act as one point of contact and make it easier for businesses, big or small, to get the advice they need with minimum fuss.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council Leader Mohamed Pervez said 

This one point of contact will make it easier for entrepreneurs, big or small, to get the information and advice they need with the minimum of fuss. With the business support line we will have one voice when helping businesses to cut through the bureaucracy and simplify things for them

The number is part of the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s drive to lay out the red carpet for business, making it easier for existing and new business to grow in the area. Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire County Council and the Chambers of Commerce have all backed the project.

LEP Business Development Chairman Stephen Dixon said the partners were working together to put business interests first. 

What business wants is a clear route to information and support. At the moment there are several sources of information and it can be confusing. We are determined to break down barriers to enterprise. The one number will be the single simple gateway to business expertise.

 North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Sara Williams said

In a survey conducted by the Chambers of Commerce (on behalf of the LEP), businesses were asked what would be of value to their business. The majority of respondents asked for a single point of contact for business advice.  It is really exciting that the LEP is able to respond so quickly to businesses needs.

Staffordshire County Council’s economic growth and enterprise leader Ben Adams said the business support line would be a building block of the red carpet treatment for business in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. 

Our focus on business, jobs and prosperity is really paying off. Big international names like Jaguar Land Rover, Amazon and Nestle are choosing Staffordshire. We are leading the way nationally for job creation. That’s because the joint team is dedicated to doing everything we can to help businesses thrive – whatever their size

The number which is on a six month trial will operate from 8am – 8pm Monday – Friday and 9am – 6pm on Saturdays.