Stricken businesses to benefit from Rapid Response service
Date: 31 Mar 2009
London businesses hit hardest by the recession and people facing redundancies can now access an immediate source of practical help thanks to a new service developed by Business Link in London, working with Jobcentre Plus and funded by the Mayor of London.
Business Link in London's Rapid Response service will provide targeted support to small and medium sized business in London faced with the immediate threat of insolvency or who require help with dissolving their business. In working with Jobcentre Plus, it will also provide immediate advice to people recently made redundant or facing redundancy, including help with starting a business.
Benjamin Smart, regional manager at Business Link, said that the initiative provides even greater levels of support and advice to those North London businesses that need it most.
"These are of course difficult times to do business and, while the majority of London's small and medium sized businesses are confident of weathering the storm, a number of them are being faced with the threat of imminent closure. The margin between survival and insolvency can sometimes be measured in hours so it is especially important that small businesses have ready access to tailored advice and support as soon as they need it."
"The Rapid Response service offers advice to these businesses that are looking for a way out of the recession and want to avoid, or at least manage the impact of, redundancies. It's also for people who are at risk of losing their jobs and are thinking about starting their own business. They can be assured that they are not alone and that targeted help and assistance is available if they need it," he said.
To be piloted initially for two months, the Rapid Response service provides tailored support and guidance to businesses and is available 24 hours a day. It will act as the single point of access from which London's small business community can access various business and employee packages, including the range of financial support initiatives recently made available by government. The initiative is funded by the London Development Agency through the Mayor's Economic Recovery Action Plan.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said:
"Our small and medium businesses are critical to London's success and play a significant role in our dynamic, active and vibrant economy. Through my Economic Recovery Action Plan I am ensuring that these firms get all the help they need to ease the range of difficulties they are experiencing during the downturn. The firms that will be supported and advised through the Rapid Response service will be the capital's spring board to economic growth and prosperity once the upturn arrives, and this new service has my full backing."
Benjamin Smart commented:
"A thriving small and medium business sector is essential for London's economic recovery and the signs are encouraging that the majority are remaining upbeat about their growth prospects for 2009."
Patrick Hughes, Jobcentre Plus Director for London said
"We welcome this initiative and will work closely with Business Link in London to make it a success. This is exactly the kind of joined up service we hope London's employers will welcome."
The Rapid Response service is free to all London small and medium businesses. For further information, contact 0845 6000 787 or visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/london/rapidresponse
