Business Link support is 'inadequate', survey shows

Date: 1st February 2012

Small business owners have lamented the lack of regional support offered by Business Links.

That is according to the latest survey carried out by the Forum of Private Business (FPB), which showed that 61 per cent of its members believe the support offered by Business Link is "inadequate".

The FPB decided to launch the survey following the breakdown of regional Business Links and amid concerns that Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) are "more strategic bodies than business service providers".

According to the study, business cited red tape and tax as key barriers as well as issues with the support agencies themselves.

Alex Jackman, the Forum's Senior Policy Adviser, explained: "It is important that a streamlined, centralised service does not mean reduced support, advice and guidance overall – particularly with LEPs set to operate more as strategic bodies – so quality control and effective monitoring is key.

"In addition to having a single point of contact covering all regulatory bodies in local authority areas, practical and valued support should come from organisations such as HMRC being prepared to treat small businesses with more understanding and respect, rather than continually wielding the stick."

Posted by Jacob Williams