Business Link

[Plotloss]

Apparently their 'ownership' is changing from the DTi to HMRC

Just been contacted by a marketing company as to whether this has a percieved positive or negative effect.

My first thought and answer was negative but I'm not entirely sure why...

[justinp1]

Hmm, doesnt sound like the greatest idea.

Business link is supposed to be there as an open door to help out small businesses and advise etc.

What if the business is having financial troubles - which of course 80% of small businesses do withint he first 3 years - going to your taxman to ask for advice around issues whereby tax may not be paid is not the most beneficial of ideas....!

[greenie]

I've had a few dealings with them over the years and have on every occasion been a complete waste of space. I think it is a waste of money and should be scrapped.

However if they were any good them moving them over to the revenue would be a bad idea.

[davidd]

Business Link helped us out with a bit of mentoring, we have also been on a few courses which they have run and co funded. However for the most part I would say they are a waste of time. the cash that the Govt. spends on then brings little or no return.

I have also become a business link consultant (they claimed if I did then it would generate leads for the business) the process was a pain and the rewards were nil, and I did try pretty hard!

I am also aware that different branches might offer a better level of service.

Good luck

D

[vex]

I would love to comment of the effectiveness of Business Link.

But they have NEVER contacted me, and I have call to arrange a meeting about five time in the past year!

[steviebee]

BL are good for small and start up businesses but beyond that, have limited benefit, although some regions are better than others and some services they provide are also better than others (Essex Business Link overseas support is particularly good).

I can't see what would be achived by moving it's ownership to HMRC.

[magic torch]

Thanks for the tip, was going to call them tomorrow...

[Skadi]

greenie said:

I've had a few dealings with them over the years and have on every occasion been a complete waste of space. I think it is a waste of money and should be scrapped.

However if they were any good them moving them over to the revenue would be a bad idea.

That's my experience too. I'm not sure the advice they give start-ups in the best advice. In general most of the advice comes from people who've never run a business or even stepped outside middle management. They concentrate on how to spend money you haven't got by engaging accountants, solicitors and lawyers who just happen to be the majority of their membership. No one ever asks where your sales are coming from. I've seen start-up businesses who 12 months down the line have great business plans but no orders and everyone's patting them on the back saying how great they are.

I'd be very suspicious of the motives behind switching them to HMRC

[4rby]

Have to get this off my chest... went to see Business Link in 2002 when I wanted to start my business (was told to go there by my bank manager).

What a waste of time. Spoke to a bloke who told me not to start the business as I was too young (22) and should focus on other stuff (was at uni). He had never run a business before and appeared to have only ever worked for the government. He gave to two guides on selling and a business plan guide (seriously out of date).

I am very very glad I ignored his advice.

[4rby]

Should have added the Business Link was in Durham. The bank manager from Barclays gave 100% more valuable advice, he really knew what he was talking about in retrospect.

[magic torch]

Only had a positive experience. Used to chat through ideas with one adviser, and he put a large amount of work our way.

All down to the individual I guess.