Skillfair, the UK’s largest online marketplace for consultants, has called for radical reform to the government’s business advice services in the wake of its recently announced plans to review Business Link. 

In a letter to Small Business Minister Mark Prisk, Skillfair MD Gill Hunt proposes that the government draws on existing experienced, professional business advisors to offer a more specialist service to businesses, according to their needs, size and sector focus.  ‘The current generalist, one-size-fits-all approach offered by Business Link has resulted in businesses with limited growth potential sapping resources, while more sophisticated, often larger, concerns have not had access to specialist help that may take them to the next level.  (more…)

ABPCO corporate members are on the increase as Visit London, London’s official visitor organisation and convention bureau, becomes the latest destination to join its Corporate Membership Scheme.  The new scheme, launched earlier this year, allows supplier organisations within the industry to become part of the association, contributing to ABPCO’s development and expanding its remit. (more…)