As we begin 2012, the economic outlook is somewhat mixed depending on which think tank, economist or business owner you talk to. If you are Robert Peston, however, the world is a very gloomy place and we are all doomed!

We can’t get away from the fact there is a level of uncertainty with the economy – just look at the eurozone. That saga will play into the hands of the Euro sceptics who are gleefully saying "I told you so", but as just over 50% of UK trade is with the EU, the future of the Euro and the EU as a whole will have a direct impact on business here at home.

Looking at the current worldwide economy and the various impacts it can have on the UK is another breakfast meeting all together. So let’s look at the situation we find ourselves in at the moment.

When I've spoken to people about Business Link, some said it was going completely, others that it was being streamlined and some didn't know anything about the changes at all. Somewhere along the line, then, the message has been lost, which is not good news for this large organisation. If they can't get the right message across, what hope is there for the rest of us?

As part of the government's review into how it delivers business improvement and support services a number of changes were announced earlier in the year. Although the Business Link website, the government's online resource for business, will remain and continue to provide businesses with access to information, support and government services, included in the changes was the closure of the regional Business Link advisory service in November 2011.

Much of the information on regionally branded Business Link websites has been moved to the national Business Link website, and improvements to this site have been implemented or planned. These include the Contracts Finder, which is available now, and an improved experience for those starting up in business.

Monday saw the launch of a national mentoring scheme with an aim towards educating small business owners on the requirements for getting bank finance. Backed by the British Bankers’ Association, The Prince’s Trust and others it is the latest in a series of plans to try and create meaningful change within the area of access to finance.

Somewhere in the region of 200 current and former bank managers will initially be made a ready resource for small businesses. The hope is to guide company owners through the processes involved in applying for a loan. It is the government's hope that these bank-sponsored, trained mentors will form the core of a much larger network of support. This is in response to the closure of its Business Link advice centres which are set to conclude this autumn.

While regulation is a good thing when it comes to protecting all areas of our lives - including businesses, employers and employees - the 21,000 plus rules that currently govern out lives are actually becoming a burden that is hurting businesses and as a result damaging the economy.

The current government has, therefore, set out to cut some of the red tape we are confronted by on a daily basis, and so members of the public, businesses and community organisations are being invited to have their say on regulations. This is where the Red Tape Challenge website comes in.

It's a very simple, but effective concept. Every few weeks a new set of regulations, affecting one specific sector or industry, will open on the website for anyone to comment on. Then, when a theme has closed, Ministers will have three months to explain why a regulation is still required, or it will be scrapped.

Tags: challenge, enforcement, environment, health & safety, rules, regulations, red tape, Red Tape Challenge, economy, business, government, policy, business link, customers, legislation

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Response to Telegraph article regarding the Government's plans to increase parental leave entitlement and to introduce new flexible working plans

© 25-05-2011 by Paul Smalley

According to The Telegraph’s article the Government will soon make substantial changes to the current number of days a father can take off work. The increase will be from two to six weeks’ paid leave. Fathers will also be able to use up some of the mothers’ entitlement, which could result in fathers being able to take five and a half months paid leave off work after the birth of their child.

In addition to this, both parents would be able to take up to six months off at the same time, which may cause staffing problems for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The employer will not be able to refuse such a request.

Tags: parental leave, flexible working plans, redundancy, statutory maternity pay, SMP, SMEs, SME, legislation, paul smalley, government, business link, policy

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Response to FT article about closure of support networks for business

© 23-02-2011 by Paul Smalley

 

Your article this morning in connection with the closure of support networks for business does highlight some potential shortcomings when it comes to Government policy on nurturing start-ups and growth businesses.

The demise of Business Link as you point out will not be missed by many, but on the whole, our experience of the organisation was positive. Nonetheless, reform was due, but will a group of volunteer mentors be able to provide the support required. After all, this is a commercial world, and therefore mentors will look to be recompensed as individuals take advantage of their knowledge. As your contributor Nick Wall comments, he estimates his advice would have cost him £100,000.

Whilst we are seeing the closure of support networks, I note that Nick Ogden is starting up business.co.uk. Although I have yet to investigate the portal in any detail, it can potentially provide an avenue for companies to seek advice.

Tags: business link, start-ups, government, lending, banks, paul smalley, paper mountain solutions, blue chip, underwriting

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