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Support for UK enterprises criticised by head of small business

10th March 2010

The chief executive of the Small Business Service (now 'Enterprise and Business Support'), David Irwin, has criticised the government for its failure to set targets, in his keynote address at the House of Commons last week.
 
Mr Irwin, who stepped down from his role as chief executive of the SBS in 2002 and is now a director of the Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, said that the original aim of the SBS has been to make the UK the most enterprising place to start a small business. The Government had then killed the SBS, and set no targets at all. 

He went on to stress the need for the government’s policy on small business to be coherent, consistent and comprehensive, that it had to improve culture, economy and taxation and that the Government should offer advice and support locally, encouraging business start-ups and creating a learning and sharing culture.
 
The event, hosted by the International Association of Book-keepers (IAB) and sponsored by LloydsTSB Commercial, was held with the intention of provoking a fresh look at policies and practices within the UK, with regard to its support structures and provision given to assist potential business start-ups.
 
Malcolm Trotter, chief executive of the IAB, acknowledged existing funding and support systems, but criticised the fact that availability of these provisions currently varies between regions. He also raised the issues that funding is too often only short-term and that funding information for potential start-ups, provided by government organisations, is not readily available, saying:

“If the personal and well-being of the nation depends on the success of these small businesses, it is essential then that as a nation, we properly address the skills requirements and support of start-ups and developing businesses”.
 
Mr Trotter stated that he would like to see enterprise learning becoming a national scheme, given funding priority. He has suggested a flagship programme, which could be funded by true public/private partnership and would provide a standard level of training and support in every region, which could then be tailored to the individual needs of each business start-up. 
 
The Dinner at the House of Commons was held with the support of the Small Firms’ Enterprise Development Initiative (SFEDI) and was attended by Tony Robinson OBE, founder of the SFEDI; and senior delegates from several Sector Skills Councils.
 
Mr Trotter acknowledged the work carried out by SFEDI and Tony Robinson in particular, he said:

"The organisation was uniquely placed to bring together all parties involved in enterprise. It can work with the government, its agencies and other sector bodies and Sector Skills Councils to raise enterprise skills in the UK.”

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