Business Support Simplification Programme

Steve J.Bennett

Chair; North West BSSP Steering Group

Business Support Simplification Programme – North West

• The past is consigned to History

• Today is NOT about reviewing Business Link and historical Business Support

• The ‘Theatre’ is changing – prompted by the 2006 budget speech

• 3000+ products and services to be rationalised to c.100

Business Support Simplification Programme – North West

• Steering Group established

• 4 Working Groups;– Business Needs– Products and Services– Delivery– Measurement

• Initial consultation period ends with submission on 14th September 2007 – that’s 44 days!

Business Support Simplification Programme – North West

• The programme is being driven by ‘Business Needs’:– Added value– ‘Fit for purpose’

• The North West is helping to lead the programme and we are determined to establish the region as an ‘exemplar’

• Business Link is the stated ‘primary’ vehicle and BLNW, established in April 2007 has already engaged with 25,972 customers

Business Support Simplification Programme – North West

• Business Needs – private, public and academic sectors:– Increase Revenue– Reduce Costs– Improve Efficiency

• Products and Services to reflect these

• Delivery mechanisms must be slick, efficient, capable and appropriate

• Activity will be measured:– Success celebrated– Failure changed

Business Support Simplification Programme – North West

• This is your opportunity to influence future direction and future Business Support

• In the absence of comment and feedback – the programme will be centrally-focused.

• It is happening – ‘spread the word’, engage and contribute.

Business Support Simplification Programme – North West

• The process is like a steamroller – better to be a driver than be part of the road!

Business Support Simplification Programme – North West

• Today’s programme:

9.30 – 10.30 Speaker Plenary 10.30 – 12.00 Workshop Sessions12.00 – 12.55 Q&A Panel12.55 – 13.00 Closing Remarks13.00 – 14.00 Networking Lunch