Networks to take troubleshooting role

A LOCAL enterprise partnership is looking to create a ‘network of networks’ to help fill the gap when Business Link closes this week.

The York, North Yorkshire and East Riding LEP is looking to find ways of channeling support through existing business networks.

It is also going to include a searchable database of business networks as part of its new website to be launched in the New Year.

Shaun Watts, director of the Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and a member of the LEP board, said: “There are at least 50 business forums in our area, including my Chamber, the Institute of Directors, the Federation of Small Businesses, Forward Ladies and many more. Between them they provide a huge range of services.

“The LEP aims to support the networks that businesses themselves are choosing, to ensure that our business community is fantastically networked. By doing so we’re creating a robust and resilient business support network”.

Regional Business Link services are being closed this week and replaced by a new national web-based service as part of Government cut backs.