Member Article

Business Link replacement comes under fire

In the wake of nationwide Business Link closures, members of the Forum of Private Business are concerned that new Government support mechanisms will be inadequate to promote real growth.

In a recent survey of its members, it was found that over 60% believed htat the new ‘streamlined’ and centralised Business Links service was inadequate, and only 10% believed that the change was cost effective.

While 30% believed that the Business Link service was not appropriate for their business, one fifth said that the public sector should have no involvement in the support services at all.

Commenting on the findings, the Forum’s senior policy adviser Alex Jackman said: “It is probably true that the old Business Link services were underused and small firms do see value in some of the recent changes to public sector support, including the new website, but the removal of local advisers providing a face-to-face service has not been popular.

“It is important that a streamlined, centralised service does not mean reduced support, advice and guidance overall – particularly with LEPs set to operate more as strategic bodies – so quality control and effective monitoring is key.”

While only 20% of members had used and benefitted from the local face-to-face services, almost 60% were concerned that the closure could erode specific understanding of their businesses and reduce effectiveness of the advice provided.

Others also felt that there were too many restrictions on government support, and criticised local authorities for failing to understand smaller firms, and over-relying on computer systems and ‘tick box forms’ to identify problems. Some businesses called for a named local contact to help them with specific issues and better understand their individual positions.

The Forum is now calling for proper quality control to gauge the effectiveness of the new Business Link service, assurances that the reduction in Government websites does not lead to a reduction in advice available and a single point of contact covering all regulatory bodies in local authority areas.

Mr Jackman added: “In addition to single point of contact covering all regulatory bodies in local authority areas, practical and valued support should come from organisations such as HMRC being prepared to treat small businesses with more understanding and consideration, rather than continually wielding the stick.”

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