SERCO have signed an £80m deal to provide all services for Business Link in the South-East for the next three years.

It’s the first time that the business advice and support organisation has entrusted all its requirements to a single supplier.

The outsourcing specialists are based at Hook, near Basingstoke, and their activities range from refuse collection for local authorities to management of a nuclear facility.

Last year, Business Link helped 155,000 businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs and the South-East Development Agency has appointed Serco in a bid to improve and increase its services.

It is planning more investment in frontline advice and more intensive one-to-one support.

“The new contract comes at a pivotal time for the economy,” said Seeda chief executive, Pam Alexander.

“The enhanced services will provide a great boost to businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs, delivering solid foundations for growth and preparing businesses for the upturn.

“Serco has an extensive track record in delivering Business Link services in other regions, so we have confidence that business support in the South-East will go from strength to strength.”

Serco is already working closely with the six existing providers to ensure continuity of service.