§ Mr. ChidgeyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to encourage a secondment scheme from private sector firms to Business Links. [50016]
§ Mrs. Roche[holding answer 20 July 1998]: Many local Business Link partners have developed relationships with banks, accountants, and other professional bodies, which have resulted in successful local secondment arrangements.
511W
§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to refocus the network of Business Links to offer specialised financial advice to small business. [50017]
§ Mrs. Roche[holding answer 20 July 1998]: The Business Link Service Guide already requires all Business Links to provide an impartial and independent "Financial Packaging Service" to small and medium businesses. This provides initial financial health checks and managed access to appropriate private sector providers of financial services. The key to all Business Link services is that they are tailored to the individual needs of the clients.
The Department is working closely with Business Links and others to continue to develop these services.
§ Mr. ChidgeyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Erewash (Liz Blackman) of 2 June 1997,Official Report, column 19, what proposals she has to reform the Business Links network to make it more responsive to the needs of small and medium businesses; and if she will make a statement. [50012]
§ Mrs. Roche[holding answer 20 July 1998]: At the Business Link National Conference on 7 October 1997, I launched my strategy for enhancing Business Links, "A Vision for the 21st Century". It sets out an Agenda for Action which seeks to raise overall standards and bring all Business Links up to the level of the best. The Vision set out five key areas for improvement, including ensuring that they provide an appropriate service for all small and medium businesses.