KNOWLE IS POWER
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Hauliers need any amount of specialist industry knowledge, but what does a small operator do when he needs advice on a wide range of general business matters? They could do worse than contact their local Business Links...
The revolution in information technology gives new meaning to the old saying that knowledge is power, because accumulating knowledge has never been easier—it's a question of knowing where to turn. Accountants, for example, don't need to know every last word of every statute; they just need to know where to look it up. But how does a busy haulier find time to track down that valuable business data?
In 1992 Michael Heseltine, then President of the Board of Trade, attempted to make this task easier for small businesses by setting up the framework for Business Links; a network of independent local information and advice centres.
There are now some 250 out
lets in the UK, owned by 85 Business Link operations. They are designed to enhance the competitiveness oflocal businesses by improving the delivery of services, information and help from the DTI to British business.
Partnership
Each Business Link is essentially a partnership between local providers drawn from local authorities, Training and Enterprise Councils, Chambers of Commerce, universities and other related organisations. They come together to form an independent information provider in a "one-stop shop" format and must have DTI approval to use the Business Link name, All outlets use the Business Link brand and they all have the same basic structure, but there the similarity ends. They each
have their own combination of partners; business plans and missions; levels of capital; board and management structures—they even have individual contractual relationships with their main funder, the DTI.
So whether you're looking at costs, facilities, service levels or areas of speciality, you'll need to contact your local Business Link for specific information.
You should find that your local outlet offers a comprehensive range of services designed to support businesses with growth potential. They do not target businesses on the brink of collapse; nor do they necessarily want to attract start-up businesses.
But Business Links does want to be seen as the first port of call for businesses in need of any help or information. They can help clients in areas including: • Information technology; • Overseas trade and exporting; • Finance; • Design; • Property matters; • DTI functions and services; • Europe; • Regulatory matters; • Marketing • Human resources; • Management development.
Most Business Links work by assigning a personal business advisor (P BA) to a client. It is the P BA's responsibility to work with a business and develop a longterm relationship. They aim to define needs, seek solutions, help produce action plans and bring together a variety of internal and external support services to resolve problems.
Each Business Link maintains a register of accredited service providers (ASPs): external consultants who are brought in to augment the Business Links level of knowledge and to specifically work with a client. AS Ps include accountants, architects, caterers, interpreters, lawyers, printers, PR and marketing agencies, quality consultants and tax consultants.
Straightforward
Contacting your local Business Link should be straightforward. They're at the front of the Thomson Local Directory (under Community Information/Business) and are listed in the Yellow Pages under Business Enterprise Agencies. There is also a central DTI Business Link enquiry number (0345 567765). Operators at this number can send you a pack on Business Links and can transfer your call direct to your local Business Link.
You get nothing for nothing in this world, and the services of Business Links may have to be paid for. Costs vary from one Link to another. Initial consultancies tend to be free but further services might incur a charge. Where it is not practical to charge for an individual service, a membership fee might be charged.
Where a Link wants to encourage the use of a particular service, the user may be charged at a subsidised rate (generally up to 50% of the cost of the consultancy).
• by Adam Bernstein