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SEEDA welcomes Streamlined Business Support Package

23 October 2008

SEEDA fully supports the launch of the Government's ‘Solutions for Business’ package and is particularly pleased that key recommendations, specifically regarding streamlining the business support service, have been adopted.

The Government has confirmed Business Link will continue to be the primary support facilitator to business; providing access to a range of pertinent public funded business support products and simplifying the process for those seeking help. Under the leadership and management of RDAs, the Business Link service has been transformed in recent years and its capacity has been greatly enhanced. It has evolved into a highly-effective information and brokerage service that provides advice to more than 137,500 customers each year in the South East and achieves a customer satisfaction rate of 91 %.

SEEDA has worked closely with the Government throughout the development of the business support package and has already developed simplified approaches to the support it offers to business in the South East. Under the guidance of BERR, SEEDA is now working in partnership with the Local Authorities, business organisations and other key stakeholders through ‘The South East Business Support Advisory Board’. The Board is taking a major role in ensuring future flexibility through overseeing simplification of support within the South East as well as advising key stakeholders, influencing regional priorities and sharing good practice.

In keeping with this, SEEDA wholeheartedly welcomes the Government’s commitment to pay businesses within 10 working days. This announcement came just days after the Government and SEEDA unveiled plans to - through Business Link - offer free 'health checks' to businesses, priority training advice for small and medium-sized enterprises, and financial information to help firms maintain a steady cash flow.

Jeff Alexander, Executive Director for Global Competitiveness, South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) stated: "SEEDA is working closely with Government to offer support to businesses during this difficult economic period. Business Link is geared up across the South East to offer health checks to every SME (small and medium sized enterprises) looking to understand how best to deal with the current situation.

"Business Link is the primary access point to the new streamlined ‘Solutions for Business’ range of business support products. This simplified system will offer all companies the opportunity to find the right support, be this with start-up, finance, skills, exporting, innovation or growth."