DTI to streamline business support schemes

The ‘hotchpotch’ of business support schemes is to be simplified by reducing the number of different services available, the government has announced.

Small business minister Margaret Hodge announced today that the number of business support schemes would be cut from more than 3,000 to less than 100.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the proposals would address ‘the wide concern among small firms who are confused’ by the array of schemes currently available.

The proposals will be drawn up during a 12-week consultation period with views from regional development agencies (RDAs), local authorities, chambers of commerce and other groups taken into account.

“We want to take some of the hassle out of getting help to run a business,” said Hodge. “By cutting down the number of support schemes without cutting the amount of support we believe we can do that.

“Simpler, easier to use and understand support while cutting back on unnecessary duplication. It's simple common sense for both business and the tax-payer.”

Business Link, the government’s small business information and advice service, will now be the first point of call for all official business support.

According to the DTI, the reduction in the range of schemes will reduce repetitions in marketing and administration thus freeing up more targeted resources.