|
 The following information has been reproduced from the Small Business Service web site at: www.sbs.gov.uk/ Purpose, Vision and Strategy Small businesses are a major contributor to the health of the UK economy and to the diversity of opportunity in our society. They come in many shapes and sizes: from high growth start-ups to 'lifestyle' businesses and social enterprises. They help increase competition, create employment and foster innovation. The Small Business Service (SBS) has a clear vision - we want to accelerate the drive to make the UK the best place to start and grow a business. We want: Many more people, regardless of their background, having the desire, skills and opportunity to start a successful business. Everyone with the ambition to grow their business being helped and supported. A supportive business environment with all small businesses finding it easy to respond to government and access its services.
It is our task, as an agency of the Department of Trade and Industry, working with the rest of government, to lead in delivering this vision.
Small Business and Government - The Way Forward published in December 2002, sets out a new policy framework for a government-wide approach to helping small firms. It was jointly endorsed by the Prime Minister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.
It identifies seven strategic themes as key drivers for economic growth, improved productivity and a wider involvement in enterprise for all:
Building an enterprise culture. Encouraging a more dynamic start-up market. Building the capability for small business growth. Improving access to finance for small businesses. Encouraging more enterprise in disadvantaged communities and under represented groups. Improving small businesses' experience of government services. Developing better regulation and policy.Over the next year we will work with our partners at national, regional and local level to develop the themes into seven national strategies.
We will work with our partners to implement them and we will monitor progress. We will work to improve our impact as a centre of expertise, innovator and engine for change on small business issues in government. Successful delivery of the policy framework will mean: A Small Business Service which gathers evidence, analyses the needs of small business and successfully influences all of government to 'Think Small First' in policy making. Joined up and effective delivery of services from government at national, regional and local levels resulting in less confusion for customers. A Business Link service in England providing easy access to the most appropiate products, services and solutions from the best expertise in the private, public and voluntary sectors.
Our purpose and accountability is set out in our Public Service Agreement target: To help build an enterprise society in which small firms of all kinds thrive and achieve their potential, with an increase in the number of people considering going into business, an improvement in the overall productivity of small firms, and more enterprise in disadvantaged communities. We will also play our part in the DTI's Service Delivery Agreement and Business Plan. © Crown Copyright More Information Visit our Business Start Up Portal and Small Business Portal for a list of helpful articles. |
