Government Confirm Policy on Enterprise Support and Economic Development
On 19th May 2010 Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy PM Nick Clegg released the coalition Government’s policy programme. Maintaining the stance described by Mark Prisk, Minister of State for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
The document which outlines the decision to support the creation of Local Enterprise Partnerships to replace Regional Development Agencies (RDAs).
As the UK begins to emerge from the deepest recession for almost a century, there is a focus on enterprise as never before. As countless commentators of the recession have noted, enterprise has had and will have a great part to play in helping ameliorate the consequences the recession has had for individuals, families and communities, and to reduce worklessness.
The correct approach to business support is of paramount importance to nurture, encourage and inspire today’s entrepreneurs to succeed in business. Enterprise and business support agencies across the country already provide excellent working examples of the type of local, bespoke business support the new government is working towards, and the type this country needs.
According to the Nation Federation of Enterprise Agencies (NFEA), experience shows that businesses and individuals want to see this tailored approach, rather than be “shoe-horned” into generic “one size fits all” schemes. They wish to be treated as individuals and they trust local deliverers, rather than remote government services or indeed what they see as civil servants. They value easy access, simple and effective delivery, local visibility and an understanding of the economy in which they live.
NFEA Chief Executive George Derbyshire said:
“NFEA and our members are well placed as local enterprise agencies and
business support organisations. We will do whatever we can to support
the proposed structure, and look forward to taking an active part in the
new framework of business support going forward.”
Doug Scott, NFEA’s Deputy Chairman and recent recipient of the Queens
Award for Lifetime Achievement in Enterprise Promotion, also commented
on the announcement:
“We are encouraged by many of the policies to stimulate new business
formation. The proposals to cut the time it takes to start a new
business, end the ban on social tenants starting businesses in their
homes, encourage the formation of ‘green’ businesses, the mentoring
support for Black and Minority Ethnic communities and the creation of
the Work for Yourself programme for unemployed people are all evidence
of the Coalition’s commitment to the enterprise economy.
As local enterprise agencies, we are committed to developing enterprise in our local communities and look forward to working with the new government to achieve this.”
To access the coalition programme for government please visit www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk.
The NFEAs Enterprise Manifesto featured in April’s edition of Enterprise Upfront to access it follow this link: http://www.nfea.com/news/nfea-enterprise-manifesto.html