Business Link for London needs a “major shake-up” in order to provide a better service to small firms in the capital who have expressed “great dissatisfaction” with the advisory body, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

In its draft manifesto submitted for next year’s London Assembly and Mayoral elections, the FSB hit out at the government-run service for not providing entrepreneurs with enough help and advice.

The FSB said that surveys of its small business membership revealed “great dissatisfaction” with Business Link and other government startup services.

In its draft manifesto, the FSB stated that “action is needed to increase confidence in the level of advice offered to businesses.”

The business lobby group claimed that there is a “fundamental contradiction” in Business Link for London being an organisation which acts both as an advice centre and the provider of the services it suggests.

Richard Morse, London policy unit chairman for the FSB, said: “We believe that these two functions must be separated if the provision of independent business advice is to meet the needs of small business.”

As an alternative, the FSB proposed that the London Development Agency (LDA), the capital’s economic regeneration body, should co-ordinate all those that offer business services and ensure that all registered advisors give “impartial and honest advice.”

The FSB said that the LDA, or some other agency, should also be responsible for the various sources of business finance that is available.

Morse said: “Entrepreneurs need to be aware of all the possible ways they can finance their business.

“For example, too many small businesses are financed by credit cards, because the owners do not know what help is available.”

In its draft manifesto, the FSB also called for a “major increase” in the amount of small, low-cost business premises for startup firms and greater council help in finding premises for new companies.

Other proposals put forward by the business lobby group include:

  • No extension of the congestion charge zone, with a reduction in the current scheme’s hours to 7am to 10.30 am.
  • Greater provision of suitable training for employees and employers.
  • More opportunities for small firms to compete for local council contracts.
  • Greater use of CCTV to cut down crime against businesses.
  • An improved appeals process against the interpretation of regulations.

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