A BUSINESS support body said it had seen a massive increase in inquiries concerning finance and marketing in recent months.

Bosses at Business Link Northwest, which supports firms across the county, said it showed people were determined to beat the recession.

In the last quarter, telephone and email inquiries to the business support service relating to finance and cash flow issues have leapt by 29.7 per cent, while there was also a significant increase in inquiries relating to sales and marketing, which has risen by 33.6 per cent.

Peter Caals from firms Watson, managing director at Business Link Northwest, said: “These statistics say a lot about the fighting spirit and determination that businesses in the North West are displaying.

“Our telephone brokers are dealing with an increase in calls looking for guidance on finance support and increasing sales or profile in particular, as well as support with other business issues.

“It’s important for businesses that may need some extra help to seek support as early as possible.”