Government departments and agencies have been working to bring together a package of support to help businesses through the current economic downturn. Information on the wide range of support available can now be accessed from one central website, hosted by Business Link, under the ‘Real Help for Businesses Now’ banner.
Business Link are also the gateway to a number of funded business support programmes through the "Solutions for Business" portfolio.
The South West Regional Development Agency (RDA) who lead the development of a sustainable economy in the South West, have outlined what the RDA does in terms of business support including the production of a document "First Steps: Action for Recovery" that sets out what the RDA, in partnership with other agencies and business groups, is doing to help companies respond to the economic crisis and chart a course for recovery.
The government service, Train to Gain, that helps businesses of all sizes, in all sectors, to increase the skills of their workforce and improve the performance of their business, has been provided with extra funding to offer further enhanced support.
Support for businesses to access training opportunities is provided by learndirect Business
The Open University has also launched an initiative aimed at those who may be feeling the effects of the current economic downturn. The new website ‘Re-Launch’ gives access to free educational resources, top tips for getting jobs and advice about accessing financial assistance for fee-paying courses.
