Solutions for business seminar

London Councils hosted a seminar organised by the London Development Agency (LDA) to discuss how proposals to simplify business support services in London will be implemented at the local level.

'Solutions for Business' is a suite of thirty business support programmes that will form the basis of all Government funded business support. Business Link in London will be the primary access channel for businesses seeking support. The London Development Agency is responsible for working with partners to ensure a smooth transition to the new programme from April 2010 onwards in London.

Representatives from the BERR and the LDA outlined the transition plans nationally and regionally, alongside reports from two boroughs who had tested out elements of 'Solutions for Business' locally. Key issues included the fact that many borough business support activities fall outside the programmes, how the relationship between boroughs and Business Link can be improved and referrals increased, the need for common performance indicators for business support and more targeted sector specific products at the local and regional level.

There were also presentations from BERR on the marketing and branding proposals for 'Solutions for Business'