THESE are the people who really mean business.

They represent the senior management team who will spearhead the new regional Business Link, delivering what they hope will be an ambitious and innovative business support service for Yorkshire and Humber from April 1.

Already Helen West, former chief executive of Business Link York and North Yorkshire, which this new body supercedes, has been appointed to oversee the £29 million annual contract to provide Business Link services.

Now she has brought together what she regards as a talented and multi-faceted team with a balance of private sector success, entrepreneurial experience and public sector understanding - aimed at increasing impact and benefiting new and growing enterprises in the region.

New directors are Jules O'dor, Malcolm Johnston and John Shepherd, all from a variety of backgrounds, including public and private sector organisations within the region and further afield.

Mrs West said: "It is an experienced mix of people who have run their own businesses, worked within Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and have experience within the Business Link organisation "Crucially, all have a deep understanding of what businesses need to thrive and grow and the necessary skills to drive and shape this entirely new organisation.

"They all understand what is required to deliver the very best support services and how to ensure customer needs are put first and foremost while, at the same time, driving forward our efficient new organisation.

"This is another step towards bringing the highest level of business support consistently to every town and city in the region."

Following the appointment of Mrs West as chief executive in December and the announcement of the new co-ordination centre in Barnsley, all three directors have been selected to bring together the region's four existing Business Link services into one, region-wide service.

Welcoming them, Simon Hill, executive director of business for Yorkshire Forward said: "The new service was borne out of a need to simplify business support in the region - delivering an efficient service with even more front line support. Above all was the need for a consistent, regional offer for businesses across Yorkshire and Humber."

The team will be based at the co-ordination centre in Barnsley, which is due to open in March ahead of the new Business Link's official unveiling in April.