WIREDGOV

Local authorities to trial new Business Support Programme

DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENTERPRISE AND REGULATORY REFORM News Release (2008/209) issued by COI News Distribution Service. 24 September 2008

Seven local authorities are trialling the Government's new Business Support Simplification Programme, ensuring it will be ready for implementation across the UK by 2010.

The Government is streamlining over 3000 publicly-funded schemes - including grants, subsidies and advice - into one national portfolio of up to 100 that will support businesses with greater impact. This will reduce duplication while making it easier for businesses to get the support they need.

The seven local authorities will trial different aspects of programme delivery, some with their local Business Link.

Business Minister Shriti Vadera said:

"Businesses need grass-roots support that is easy to understand and easy to access. This is what business tells us they want, and we will deliver it.

"We are working closely with local authorities, RDAs and Business Link providers to ensure businesses experience a seamless transition."

Chair of the BSSP Transition Management Board Martin Temple said:

"Local authorities can have a real impact on communities through helping businesses grow. Their assistance in making sure BSSP delivers for business, now and it the future, is welcome."

Notes to editors:

1. The Business Support Simplification Programme (BSSP) was announced during the Budget 2006 to reduce the number of publicly funded business support schemes from over 3,000 to less than 100 by 2010. Businesses will be able to access a new, streamlined, portfolio of products from October, with all products in place by March 2009.

2. The Local Authorities participating in the trial are: Croydon Council, Newham Council, Cornwall Country Council, Lincolnshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, Tees Valley Group of Councils and the Thames Gateway Kent Partnership.

3. Topics to be trialled include, the fit with existing local authority funding, how to reach disadvantaged communities and how best to meet the needs of specific business groups such as creative, ethnic minority, women and young entrepreneurs.

4. Martin Temple is the Independent Chair of the Transition Management Board, which has responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the BSSP.

5. The Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform helps UK business succeed in an increasingly competitive world. It promotes business growth and a strong enterprise economy, leads the better regulation agenda and champions free and fair markets. It is the shareholder in a number of Government-owned assets and it works to secure, clean and competitively priced energy supplies.