§ Mr. Stephen O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the reasons are for(a) regional and sub-regional differences in the change of annual expenditure of Business Link operators since 2001–02 and (b) the fall in annual expenditure in over half of Business Link operators since 2001–02. [155262]
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§ Nigel GriffithsBusiness Link Operators (BLOs) draw down funding from a number of different sources and contracts. BLO budgets, and therefore expenditure levels, are often determined by the level of funding available at a particular time in their respective regions and sub-regions. This results in naturally occurring year on year variances.
For instance funding from Regional Development Agencies and local Strategic Partnerships fluctuates year on year depending on regional and sub-regional priorities. 2001–02 also saw many BLOs playing key roles in combating the after effects of foot and mouth disease by administering additional national, regional and sub-regional funding aimed at assisting rural businesses and communities.
Additionally, some of the movement in annual expenditure levels can be attributed to the Small Business Service Core Services budget. The allocation formula in 2001–02 and 2002–03 was the same, however the data making up the component parts of the allocation formula is updated, where possible, each year leading to shifts in funding.
§ Mr. Stephen O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what indicators are in place to measure customer(a) perception and (b) satisfaction with Government services for small businesses. [157230]
§ Nigel GriffithsThe indicators measuring business perception are: awareness of Business Link and understanding the services offered by Business Link. The indicators measuring customer satisfaction are: overall customer satisfaction and perceived business benefit. These form part of the Performance Management Framework established for the Business Link network which includes eight indicators.
Small businesses' perceptions that their concerns are being taken into account by Government will be measured by the responses to the question 'How much do you feel that Government takes into account the concerns of small businesses?' in the Small Business Survey 2003, which is managed by the Small Business Service.
Indicators to measure customer satisfaction with all Government services for small businesses are being developed in conjunction with other Government Departments.