Regional Support
Whitehall is rapidly changing the way it conducts business. Decentralising power and strengthening regional policy have been one of the hallmarks of this Government. John Prescott, the Deputy Prime Minister, recently announced proposals to devolve more powers to the English regions. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland now have a large degree of autonomy through their Assembly Governments.
How does this affect creative businesses?
Because the issues identified as of most concern to creative businesses – access to finance, skills development, exporting to overseas markets – are all being addressed by key regional agencies and devolved assemblies. They include the eight Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) in England and their counter-parts in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; the Small Business Service and its network of forty-five local Business Links and the regional Government Offices in England. It is important for creative businesses to be aware of the support organisations working at a regional and local level and to take full advantage of the help and support they offer.
DCMS' key regional partners
Government Offices
Regional Development Agencies
Regional Cultural Consortium
Arts Council England
Regional business support organisations
Government Offices (Gos) bring together the activities and interests of seven different Government departments within a single organisation. This makes them uniquely well placed to take a cross-departmental approach. DCMS has a representative in each GO. They act as 'ambassadors' for DCMS in the regions, as well as providing a regional view to DCMS and a cultural view to the government office.
GOs are unable to directly assist businesses. But they work closely with those who can, the Regional Development Agencies and Business Links, and are able to help influence their agenda and strategy. GOs can also advise creative businesses on where to find the most appropriate form of advice and guidance.
Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) have a vital role to play in supporting creative businesses in England. Their formal role is to 'further economic development and regeneration; promote business efficiency, investment and competitiveness; promote employment; enhance the development and application of skills relevant to employment and to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development in the UK where it is relevant to its area to do so.' Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own separate bodies – Scottish Enterprise, Welsh Development Agency and Invest Northern Ireland.
A Regional Cultural Consortium (RCC) has been established in each of the English regions outside London. Their purpose is to provide a strong regional focus, bringing together all those with interests in the cultural sectors. The Consortium focuses and channels views and advice on cultural issues. It acts as the champion for culture within the region and to Government. One of the key tasks of the Consortium is to prepare a regional cultural strategy which will be drawn on and help to inform the strategies of other national, regional and local bodies and provide a basis against which Lottery bids and other applications for grants can be assessed.
Arts Council England is an independent, non-political body working at arm's length from the Government. It is responsible for developing, sustaining and promoting the arts in England. It aims to be a national force for the arts, delivering a higher profile, more funding and more support to artists and arts organisations.
Small Business Link
The Small Business Service manages a network of Business Link services throughout England which are run by local providers. Business Link provides independent and impartial business advice, information and a range of services to help small firms and those trying to start up a new business.
Business Eye
Business Eye is managed by the Welsh Development Agency and sponsored by the Welsh Assembly Government. Business Eye aims to help find the answers to business questions whether it is from sole trader, existing company, new idea or employer of hundreds. You can also contact the organisation on 08457 96 97 98 or e-mail: assistance@businesseye.org.uk
Invest Northern Ireland
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