DEPARTMENT OF TRADE
AND INDUSTRY News Release (P/2007/126) issued by The Government News
Network on 21 June 2007
Hotchpotch of
business support schemes to be simplified, says DTI
Radically simplifying the number of business support schemes from
3000-plus to well under 100 is at the centre of new proposals to
help small business announced by Small Business Minister Margaret
Hodge today.
The proposals will address the wide concern among small firms who
frequently tell Government they are confused by the array of
business support schemes currently available. They are to be
worked up closely with business during a 12-week consultation
period which will also draw on the views of Regional Development
Agencies (RDAs), local authorities, chambers of commerce and others.
The slimdown would mean that, over time, the backroom costs of
providing business support - including much-replicated marketing
and administration work - would drop, freeing resource to be
targeted to help firms more.
Margaret Hodge said:
"We want to take some of the hassle out of getting help to
run a business. By cutting down the number of support schemes
without cutting the amount of support we believe we can do that.
"Simpler, easier to use and understand support while cutting
back on unnecessary duplication. It's simple commonsense for
both business and the tax-payer."
Under the proposals, the Government's small business
information and advice service Business Link would be the first
port of call for all of Government's business support.
Business Link has made great advances in improving its services
and growing its customer base.
Last year Business Link handled over 800,000 face-to-face
enquiries and its website received more than seven million online
visitors. Amongst small business owners recognition of the
Business Link brand is very high at 80% and its services have a
91% customer satisfaction rate. 96% of business that have used
the service say they would recommend it to others.
Notes to Editors
1. Find the consultation document at: http://www.dti.gov.uk/consultations/index.html
2. The 12 week consultation closes on 14th September 2007.
3. Find out more about Business Link at http://www.businesslink.gov.uk
ENDS
Department of Trade and Industry
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