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Easier access to business advice for small firms

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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