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Datacom goes the distance with the Small Business Support Line

Announcement posted by Datacom Systems Pty Ltd 03 Apr 2012

The Small Business Support Line, which provides expert advice to Australia's small businesses, is on the verge of receiving its 50,000th call.

Established by the Labor Government in 2009, the support line is a free service that provides assistance on a range of issues facing Australia's vibrant small business sector.

Minister for Small Business Brendan O'Connor said the 50,000th call will be an important milestone for the small business sector.

"The Small Business Support Line provides these small business owners with a first point of contact to get the information they need and referrals to the right experts. It is staffed by advisers with strong customer service skills and extensive experience in the small business sector.

"At a national level, the Support Line has helped keep the small business sector strong, which in turn makes a vital difference to the Australian economy.

"It's a service that makes it that bit easier for time-poor small business operators to access expert and quality advice. Almost 6,000 callers have been repeat callers, chasing further information or developing their initial enquiry."

Datacom has assisted the Government understand the small business community, supporting the Small Business Support Line since September 2009.

“The agents we employ on the hotline all have personal experience with running a small business, so they can relate to exactly the challenges and needs of the callers” said Peri Siatras, Divisional Manager at Datacom.

The Support Line will help the recently announced Australian Small Business Commissioner to provide small business with a one stop shop for services and information, particularly with information about dispute mediation.

Some key statistics about the Small Business Support Line:

  • 95 per cent of callers surveyed are satisfied with the service

  • 21 per cent of callers are from regional Australia

  • 37 per cent of enquiries are about registration and licences

  • 29 per cent of calls are from the retail trade.

The Small Business Support Line can be contacted on 1800 777 275. It is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm AEST.

Media contact: Minister O'Connor's Office, 02 6277 7667

Media Contact at Datacom

Libby Ewing-Jarvie or Melanie Withers

Corporate Communications Manager, Datacom:

Ph: +61-2-9023-5489/5154

Mob: +61-414-987-258/+61–424-326-651

Email:libby.ewing-jarvie@datacom.com.au or

melanie.withers@datacom.com.au