A REPORT published by Barclays backs-up the efforts of enterprise agencies such as Bolton Business Ventures.

A study showed that firms which had been advised by agencies had a higher chance of survival in the first two years of trading and demonstrated better financial management which underpinned significant growth.

Paul Davidson, Chief Executive of BBV, said: "These are very important results for public policy and the business support and finance community.

"The results are very encouraging and demonstrate that clients who use the services of enterprises like BBV can profit from that support."

He added: "There is no doubt in my mind that business support makes a difference.

"It is a well-known fact that about two thirds of businesses fail within five years, but we now know that if they get support then about two thirds are still in business after five years."

BBV has helped thousands of local businesses over the last 19 years.