advisory services
All of the official UK statistics suggest
that the SME is hugely influential in
the economy, accounting for more
than half of all employment and 50%
of the nation’s GDP. BERR would be
the first to recognise that the SME
community does not comprise just
Adam Jackson outlined how the organisation
reaches its target audience: “You will find that
corner shops and exhaust repair
it offers businesses, advice, guidance and ac-
centres: the accepted definition takes
tion-orientated support. It is delivered through
in businesses with close on 250 staff.
three main channels – a network of advisers, a
national helpline and an online portal on the
national Business Link website. The 1600+
Advisers are highly experienced: many have
run a small business themselves. Over the last
year, Business Link has supported over
942,000 customers, the majority of which were
small and medium sized businesses.”
Tailored advice
Far from being a one-size-fits-all kind of or-
ganisation, therefore, Business Link – as pres-
ently constituted – tries to deliver core services
such as generic information to all enquirers, but
has the resources to tailor its advice when re-
quired to the individual business.
“There are common issues which businesses
face, regardless of their size but equally, we
recognise that businesses have differing
needs. When I met with Business Link advis-
ers recently, we discussed the kind of advice
they have been providing to small firms. This
has mainly been credit management, HR-re-
Link offices provide a homogeneous portfolio lated issues and complete business reviews.
of solutions without getting to grips with the The advice they provide is impartial and based
unique requirements of the businesses they on the specific needs of the businesses.
are trying to support. “From my discussions, I found clear evi-
BERR’s Head of Enterprise Directorate is a dence that Business Link advisers tailor their
keen supporter of Business Link. “It is a ge- advice according to the business size, sector
neric service consisting of information, diag- and the specific issue at hand. They then help
nosis and brokerage. Business Link offers free identify the products which best suit the busi-
impartial business advice which is available nesses needs, drawing upon their knowledge
to anyone starting or running an SME. And it of the business support products available
provides high quality information on which both in the public and private sector.”
actions can be taken, along with practical
advice.
“In terms of the scope of Business Link, cus-
SMEs are hugely influential
tomers are able to access a wide range of busi- All of the official UK statistics suggest that
ness support solutions from both the public the SME is hugely influential in the economy,
and private sectors. Business Link advisers accounting for more than half of all employ-
aim to help businesses identify their require- ment and 50% of the nation’s GDP. BERR would
ments and broker them to the most appropri- be the first to recognise that the SME commu-
ate solution for their needs.” nity does not comprise just corner shops and
68
The Informed Executive
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