Co-ordination and communication

Aligning funding and developing ‘packages of support’ will have a substantial effect on simplifying the business support landscape in the North East.  However the picture will remain complex unless significant attention is paid to two vital elements: co-ordination between providers and access channels and clear, targeted communications.

Much work has already been done to deliver an integrated Business Link service; it is envisaged that Business Link will now become the key interface for customers of business support.  Over the coming months, considerable work will be carried out to develop the Business Link service in order to enhance customer experience.

In addition to the enhancement of Business Link a new national branding and marketing framework is being development to make it easier for organisations and individuals to identify the quality, publicly-funded business support available.

Communication is central to the effectiveness of business support simplification; We will also ensure that good communication between funders, deliverers and users on business support becomes the norm.  Decision-makers for business support funding and delivery, nationally and in the region, will operate as part of a well-informed network and we will ensure that the business community is aware of and involved in our approach to business support simplification.