Croydons BSSP Demonstrator Project

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• Croydons BSSP Demonstrator Project

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Croydon BSSP Demonstrator Project

• Objectives
• Achieving consistent quality in delivering
  business support
• Building more effective connections with Business
  Link as this will become the main access route
  for businesses seeking business support
• Testing the process of closer interaction
• Did not deal with branding issues because of
  cost/time constraints
• Project Involved
• Placement of BL Advisers in Park House, 1 day a
  week offering diagnostic sessions to established
  businesses
• Establishing protocol for referral (partner
  generated, switchboard, or other source) to both
  partners services
• Project was supported by a signed Memorandum of
  Understanding between Croydon Business/Enterprise
  and Business Link in London
• Project successfully delivered key outcomes

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Local Business Issues

• Economic Recession
• Customer confusion on business support services
  available
• Existing businesses access to finance
• Environmental issues, perception of Crime,
  quality of office accommodation, parking
• Lack of Grade A office accommodation
• Sector Specific support
• Access to the local Supply chains and new market
  opportunities
• Support for BAME owned businesses and micro
  businesses
• Skill shortages

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SfB supports / aligned to issues

• SfB should help with customer confusion if
  delivered effectively
• Quality business support products including
  access to finance
• SfB does not meet a number of issues facing
  businesses e.g. supply chain, environmental
  issues etc.

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Issues to be resolved

• Links with BLiL and access routes for businesses
  and clients
• BLiL knowledge of local products available across
  London referrals from BLiL resource
  implications for BLiL
• Contribution to LAAs and CAA
• Clarity on procurement of products
• Implications for other non-local authority funded
  business support