This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Small business gateway opens wider
14/07/2003
A new common access point for support services for the business community has been created.
Business Gateway is designed to bring improved consistency and quality of support for all businesses across the Scottish Enterprise area through a range of services accessed via a single phone number and website.
Launching the service at the Atrium Business Centre in Coatbridge, Enterprise Minister Jim Wallace said:
"This new system is a first stop access for businesses of all sizes to all public support available both locally and nationally within the Scottish Enterprise area.
"The core services of business information, and advice on start-ups and business growth will be backed up with targeted support including e-business, technology and innovation, skills, and finance. And there is built-in flexibility for discretionary services at a local level.
"We are building on the successful track record of the Small Businesss Gateway over the last three years by combining existing services and extending the approach to larger firms. The aim is to provide high quality, easily accessible services - and an end to the duplication between different public agencies.
"Growing the economy and fostering a culture of enterprise is our top priority. The Business Gateway clearly demonstrates that we are listening - and responding - to the needs of the business community and taking another step forward to a Smart, Successful Scotland."
Sir Ian Robinson, chairman of Scottish Enterprise, said:
"The Business Gateway addresses one of the most frequent comments I hear about the way businesses are supported in this country - too much duplication of effort.
"This new service brings together the range of organisations providing business support under one banner, letting customers see exactly what's on offer and allowing them to tailor services to suit their individual needs no matter what size of company or from what sector."
James McCabe, leader of North Lanarkshire Council speaking on behalf of COSLA, said:
"While the badging makes clear the link to the Enterprise Network, local government too has a crucial role to play in the success of the Business Gateway. Local authorities spend a substantial amount on economic development activities, play a key part in wider economic regeneration, and have a statutory role as co-ordinators of local Community Plans.
"Businesses don't just benefit the individuals who run them; they also provide jobs, services and products - benefiting the local economy as a whole. Business Gateway can be the key that opens these doors."
The initiative was welcomed across the business community.
John Downie, Press and Parliamentary Affairs spokesperson for the Federation of Small Businesses, said:
"The Gateway will tackle barriers to business growth through giving customers better access to the entire range of public sector support services to businesses, and its formation has removed much of the duplication that existed before.
"I am pleased that serving the needs of small and start-up businesses will be central to the new Business Gateway arrangements. After all, it should not be forgotten that small firms make up around 98% of firms in Scotland. But I fully expect the Gateway to bring wider benefits and greater focus to the key issue of growing Scottish businesses - and improving Scottish economic growth."
Bob Leitch, Director of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, commented:
"The Scottish Chambers of Commerce have long been concerned about the way in which companies can access Business Information and services in Scotland.
"The Business Gateway brings together all of the delivery organisations in both the public and private sector to create one access gate. Scottish Chambers welcome this initiative and look forward to working with our partners to ensure a smooth delivery to the customers."
Independent quality surveys of the Small Business Gateway - launched in July 2000 - have revealed very high satisfaction among customers with 86 per cent being satisfied or very satisfied with the service and 76 per cent confirming they would use it again or recommend it to others.
Over the past year, the Executive, Scottish Enterprise, business representative groups and local authorities have undertaken extensive work to develop the Business Gateway system.
Working with an Expert Group, Scottish Enterprise prepared an Action Plan which has provided a clear framework for the introduction of the Business Gateway. Local Economic Forums (LEF) have been tasked with taking the action plan forward and establishing the Gateway in each LEF area.
The Executive has also been listening to the needs of businesses in the Highlands and Islands area. A review has been undertaken in the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network, to develop a range of actions to improve HIE products and service delivery.
This will include the implementation of proposals for a single entry point (the nearest equivalent to a Business Gateway in the HIE area) to all local and national business support service through the local enterprise companies. HIE are expected to launch their new arrangements shortly.