Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
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Solutions for business on track to deliver 100 scheme target
The government’s programme to simplify and streamline publicly-funded business support has almost reached its March 2010 target.
The ‘Solutions for Business: a Foundation for the future’ report published today sets out how the Government is delivering on its 2006 Budget commitment to reduce the number of business support schemes from 3000 to no more than 100 by March 2010.
The most recent information shows that less than 200 schemes remain to be aligned to the Solutions for Business portfolio in order to reach the target of under 100 schemes. The report also sets out plans to ensure the March 2010 target is met.
From April 2010 a new Strategic Management Board with the power to approve new and remove old products will ensure schemes remain flexible enough to react to business needs, while delivering value for money.
Minister for Regional Economic Coordination, Rt. Hon Rosie Winterton MP said:
"Solutions for Business is a critical part of our drive to support businesses of every size, promote growth and create an environment that encourages enterprise.
"The significant progress, set out in today’s report, shows that we are on track to meet our aim of giving business an easier, streamlined route to the help they need."
Chair of the Solutions for Business Transition Management Board, Martin Temple said:
"This is excellent news for business. Good business support is important, particularly during the challenging times businesses currently face.
"Solutions for Business addresses the concerns of businesses, that although valued, publicly-funded support was a confusing landscape. The streamlined support and primary access route of Business Link will mean that help on a wide range of issues is easily accessible to the business community."
The streamlined package of support packages, delivered through Business Link, will provide real benefits for business by offering:
· easier access to support
· removal of duplication
· potential for savings
Notes to Editors
1. The full report can be viewed at http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/enterprise/simplifyingbusinesssupport/page44805.html
2. The Solutions for Business portfolio was arrived at through the Business Support Simplification Programme (BSSP) which was announced during the Budget 2006 to reduce the number of publicly funded business support schemes from over 3,000 to no more than 100 by 2010. ‘Solutions for Business: a foundation for the future’ charts the progress so far in delivering that target, sets out the significant business benefits of a streamlined method of government funded business support and next steps. It is being published in response to a commitment made in the 2009 budget to publish a progress report. The most recent information shows that from the original 3000 schemes, we are now down to under 300, which brings us significantly closer to our target of no more than 100 schemes by March 2010.
3. Solutions for Business products are:
Starting Up
1. Enterprise Coaching
2. Starting a Business
3.
Intensive Start-Up Support
4. Starting a High Growth Business
Grow Your Business
5. Coaching for High Growth
6. Business Collaboration
Networks
7. Business Premises
8. Manufacturing Advisory Service
Employing People
9. Train to Gain
Finance and Grants
10. Finance for Business
11. Understanding Finance for
Business
12. Small Loans for Business
13. Grant for
Business Investment
14. Enterprise Finance Guarantee
15.
Rural Development Programme for England Business Support
Exploit Your Ideas
16. Innovation Advice and Guidance
17. Networking for
Innovation
18. Innovation Vouchers
19. Designing
Demand
20. Business Growth: Specialist Facilities and
Environments
21. Collaborative R&D
22. Knowledge
Transfer Partnerships
23. Grant for Research and Development
Environment and Efficiency
24. Improving Your Resource Efficiency
25. Low Carbon
Energy Demonstration
International Trade
26. Accessing International Markets
27. Developing Your
International Trade Potential
28. Export Credit
Insurance
29. Maximising Foreign Direct Investment
4. Businesses looking for support can contact Business Link by online ( http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/solutions ), phone (0845 600 9006) or face-to-face by contacting their local provider.
5. The business community, Regional Development Agencies, Local Authorities and other organisations and individuals are involved in the development of Solutions for Business.
Department for Business, Innovation & Skills
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is building a dynamic and competitive UK economy by: creating the conditions for business success; promoting innovation, enterprise and science; and giving everyone the skills and opportunities to succeed. To achieve this it will foster world-class universities and promote an open global economy. BIS - Investing in our future.
Contacts:
BIS Press Office
NDS.BIS@coi.gsi.gov.uk
