AN ENTERPRISE agency based in Bedale has almost doubled the size of its operation as it explores new avenues to get its message across in the world of small businesses.

Business Solutions Bedale, which covers Hambleton and Richmondshire, has taken on more staff and, as well as working from its offices in Enterprise House during normal hours, is going out to meet the people at other times.

The expansion follows the award to the agency last July, by Business Link York and North Yorkshire, of a sub-franchise. The agency was founded 16 years ago in converted cottages and a printing shop in Bridge Street, Bedale.

A major development has been the decision to visit village halls and other local venues with workshop seminars, under the title "Fit for Business", for anyone interested in starting their own business.

Ian Crowther, chief executive of Business Solutions Bedale, explained: "The idea is to get out and about in the evenings and on Saturday mornings. We want to get to the people who find it difficult to come to Bedale during normal working hours.

"We are expanding what we do in the way of the training and advice we give to business to such an extent that we need additional people to do it. We are exploring new avenues."

The agency now has five business advisers, plus a trainer. It has taken on Bill Griffiths, of Northallerton, on a part-time basis to run the Fit for Business programme of training courses.

A heavily-subsidised half-day course covers such subjects as business legalities, market research, information technology, book keeping and selling skills, and costs £15.

Steve Smethurst, of Low Row, is giving more concentrated advice to high-growth small businesses under three years old and partly funded via Objective 2.

John Moore of Ilkley has been drafted in as an additional business adviser to concentrate even more on encouraging people to start up and to seek the help and advice of the agency.

Mr Crowther said: "At 76pc, Business Solutions Bedale has got the highest positive outcome rate, in the entire Yorkshire region, of people coming in off Government-sponsored schemes to start up on their own."

He said he had accepted the challenge of trying to get more women to set up businesses in the agency's area. "We had 35pc last year and have a target of 40pc this year, by seeing them in their own homes or in places nearby."

The agency has also been accepted as a member of Prowess, a nationwide trade association for the promotion of women's enterprise support.

Another agency development is the preparation of diagnostic reports on businesses under three years old to identify what needs to be done for expansion. More than 20 local businesses have signed up to see an adviser on a regular basis for £50 for a half-day session.

The European Social Fund, through the Objective 3 scheme, is backing a major research project under which the agency will visit businesses employing fewer than 250 to undertake a free analysis of training needs over the next six months.

The agency is working on the project with MRS Consultants, based in the same Bedale offices. Counsellors were being coached this week but only about 120 businesses will be visited until June. Anyone interested in a training analysis should contact the agency on 01677 423737.

* Free trials of two sessions in the Fit for Business workshops are available at the agency headquarters on January 29, February 26 and March 26. Places can be booked by calling the agency