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The London Development Agency (LDA) has increased its support for small businesses and job seekers in the capital with the release of a new online guide to help them meet the challenges of the current economic downturn.

The guide – a response to the Mayor of London’s Economic Recovery Action Plan - gives Londoners easy access to the key contacts they need to boost their prospects – whether a business owner is facing difficulty or an individual’s job is at risk. It is part of the successful "Keeping London Working" campaign that has included the distribution of leaflets on jobs and skills development opportunities to half a million homes and businesses across the capital since December.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said:

"We are working tirelessly to help Londoners and business through this recession. The starting point is to make sure everyone has access to information on all the help and advice that is on offer. This latest guide demonstrates that there is no let up in our efforts to ensure there is up to the minute information on all new initiatives we are launching. Whether you are looking for work or training, or have a business problem, this guide should become a crucial part of your armoury in surviving the current downturn."

The information in previous editions has been updated to include more support programmes provided by the LDA as part of the Mayor of London’s Economic Recovery Action Plan. It provides details on the newly launched Manufacturing Advisory Service, which helps small and medium sized manufacturers in the capital compete more effectively. It also contains information on how small businesses can secure finance through a new £3m fund announced in June and the workshops and advice available through Access to Finance.

The guide is being published online on the LDA’s website to give even more people access to information on business support. It also links readers to the services offered by partner organisations such as Business Link in London, the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Learning and Skills Council and Job Centre Plus.



London Development Agency Chief Executive Peter Rogers said:

"The LDA is ensuring that Londoners have the advice and support they need to find a job and expand their businesses through the economic downturn. The "Keeping London Working" online guide outlines this support and gives business owners and job seekers access to the information they need to succeed."

In the year to May 2009 more than 129,000 people received advice through Business Link in London – the information, diagnostic and brokerage service available free to any business or budding entrepreneur - and almost 240,000 visited the website.

Many others have also benefitted from the series of business seminars organised by the LDA since November last year, as part of the Keeping London Working campaign.

David Fireman, who owns and operates the Mr Humbug sweets store at Greenwich Market with his wife Angela, attended a discussion on the challenges facing the industry and practical tips for thriving in the current environment, which was held in conjunction with KPMG.

David Fireman said:

"The seminar gave me a really good overview of how things are for the retail industry at present.

"Specifically, I found the information about supply lines, tax considerations, employee loyalty and issues of funding, particularly useful. I would definitely attend another event."

For a copy of the "Keeping London Working" guide visit the LDA website:

www.lda/keepinglondonworking.gov.uk 



For further information, please contact: Brooke Baldwin, LDA News Team, on 020 7593 8474. LDA out-of-hours: 07797 439371. Public enquiries: Tel: 020 7593 9000.



Notes to Editors

1. The London Development Agency aims to improve the quality of life for all Londoners - working to create jobs, develop skills and promote economic growth.

2. A full copy of the mayor’s Economic Recovery Action Plan is available at www.london.gov.uk/mayor/economy/recovery/ 

3. The London Development Agency is working with the London Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Confederation of British Industry, Jobcentre Plus, the Learning Skills Council and London boroughs to ensure London’s businesses have access to - and know about - the comprehensive, integrated package of support available.

4. The LDA has contracted Business Link to provide business support services in London. Business Link provides businesses large and small with access to advice and support twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Business Link can identify what individual businesses need and match them to suitable business support.

5. ‘Solutions for Business’ currently backed by the London Development Agency includes:

- Business Link in London: http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/home?site=181 

- Knowledge Connect: http://www.knowledgeconnect.org.uk/ 

- Designing Demand: http://lda.designingdemand.org.uk/ 

- Supply London: http://www.supplylondon.com/ 

- British Library Business and Intellectual Property Centre http://www.bl.uk/bipc/index.html 

- Business London: http://www.lda.gov.uk/server.php?show=ConWebDoc.2616 

- Manufacturing Advisory Service

- Access to Finance

- Think London: http://www.thinklondon.com/ 

6. All the LDA's business support products can be accessed through Business Link in London.

7. The LDA's partner organisations include:

- Learning Skills Council www.lsc.gov.uk/ 

- Jobcentre Plus www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk 

- London Chamber of Commerce and Industry www.londonchamber.co.uk 

- Confederation of British Industry www.cbi.org.uk 



For further information please contact the LDA Media Team: Robert Beasley 020 7593 8437

LDA out of hours: 07977 439371 Public enqs: 020 7593 9000