Member Article

RDA and LSC to manage region's Business Link network

The preferred bidder in a £30m contract to manage the North East Business Link network has been confirmed. The service, which provides help and support for start-ups and small businesses, will be managed jointly by regional development agency One NorthEast and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). Together, they have formed the Coalition of Ambition, chaired by Paul Callaghan. The five-year contract (from April 2007 to March 2012) will also see the Coalition responsible for the regional Skills Brokerage Service, delivered under the Train to Gain brand.The contract initially attracted interest from more than 15 potential bidders, before the Coalition of Ambition emerged as the preferred choice – making the North East the only region in the country where the RDA and the Learning and Skills Council have teamed up to put forward a joint bid. The Coalition of Ambition comprises three existing Business Link franchise holders – Business Link for Northumberland, Business Link Tees Valley and Business Link Tyne and Wear, working together with the North East Chamber of Commerce.Chris Roberts, Regional Director LSC North East, said: “We expect the Coalition of Ambition to capitalise on the progress made to date by building upon the sub-regional approach, and establishing a business support and skills brokerage service across the whole of the North East, creating a step change in front-line delivery.“The remainder of 2006 and the start of 2007 will represent a transitional period. The regional Train to Gain service will be in place by August 2006, with the new Business Support Service starting by April 2007.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .