| |
Opportunity
for all in a world of change:
A
White Paper on enterprise, skills and innovation
Implementation
Plan
(Position
at January 2004)
Contents
The key commitments
A1-E3 in the White Paper are indicated below. Click on
those in which you
are interested for details of implementation measures, contacts,
actions and targets.
Section
Introduction
A A
people first economy
This section corresponds
to Chapter 2 of the White Paper. Its key commitments are:
A1 Fostering creativity and enterprise across our education
and training
system
A2
Ensuring a literate and numerate population
A3
Building a world-class vocational and technical education system
A4
Developing a workforce with world-beating ICT skills
A5
Ensuring employers invest in the skills and talents of all
B All
regions to prosper
This section
corresponds to Chapter 3 of the White Paper. Its key commitments
are:
B1
Building regional capacity for innovation, skills and R&D
B2
Boosting capacity for regional enterprise
B3
Widening access to finance
B4
Encouraging manufacturing excellence
B5
Promoting clusters
B6
Improving the planning system
B7
Overcoming the skills divide
B8
Dealing with major restructuring
C Investing
in new sources of business success
This section
corresponds to Chapter 4 of the White Paper. Its key commitments are:
C1 Boosting the commitment to R&D
C2
Encouraging commercial exploitation of research
C3
Boosting green technology
C4
Accelerating take-up of broadband
C5
Boosting digital TV
C6
Enabling e-business
C7
Confident and knowledgeable consumers
D A
climate for enterprise and growth
This section
corresponds to Chapter 5 of the White Paper. Its key commitments
are:
D1 Modernising insolvency law
D2
Reducing regulatory barriers
D3
Reducing financial barriers
D4
Improving the intellectual property regime
D5
Improving Government support for business
E Global
ambition
This section
corresponds to Chapter 6 of the White Paper. Its key commitments
are:
E1 Attracting business talent to the UK
E2
Promoting international partnerships
E3
Promoting a better business environment in Europe
Introduction
The Government’s
White Paper on enterprise, skills and innovation, Opportunity for all
in a world of change, sets out the next steps for Government in helping
individuals, communities and businesses to prosper in a fast changing
world. The first task was to get the basic foundations for economic success
right: to ensure economic stability, competitive tax rates, a regulatory
framework that promotes competition and encourages enterprise. Now we
have a unique opportunity to change Britain radically for the better.
The White Paper addresses
five key challenges:
- closing the
skills gap, particularly in basic skills, ICT skills and intermediate
and technical skills. It puts forward a truly joined up strategy to
give people and businesses the tools to cope with change and capitalise
on the opportunities it creates;
- building strong
regions and communities through a new regional policy to help all
regions promote innovation and enterprise, including much stronger links
between universities and businesses for R&D and innovation and a
focus on start-ups, growth and manufacturing;
- investing in
innovation, including a boost to commercial exploitation of research,
faster broadband roll-out as well as promoting take-up of digital TV
and faster take-up of e-business;
- fostering enterprise
by continuing to improve the regulatory and financial environment
through measures such as relaxing insolvency rules, a new role for OFT
to spot anti-competitive regulations and the "Think Small First"
strategy of the Small Business Service;
- strengthening
European and global connections through attracting business talent
to the UK and a global partnership programme to help British firms get
international partners.
The White Paper’s
message applies to all businesses, small and large, in manufacturing and
services; and to all individuals and institutions at every stage of education
and training.
This Implementation
Plan focuses on the key commitments in the White Paper and associated
specific measures and actions. For each specific action, it sets out targets
for delivery. Many are dependent on actions by a number of people and
organisations outside the Government’s direct control. Target dates
are therefore indicative only. We will monitor progress regularly and
post updates showing the achievements on this website.
For each specific
action or measure the plan lists the name of an individual, with his or
her contact details. They may not be solely responsible for delivery of
the targets concerned but they act as leaders and co-ordinators and will
provide a knowledgeable central focus for enquiries on the subject.
Comments on the Implementation
Plan or enquiries about any actions or measures not identifiable in the
Plan should be sent by E-mail to opportunity.forall@dti.gsi.gov.uk
or opportunity.forall@dfee.gov.uk
or addressed to:
| Pat
Jackson
Department of
Trade and Industry
Central
Directorate
Room 527
1 Victoria
Street
London
SW1H 0ET
Tel: 020 7215
0158
Email: Pat.jackson@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
Philip
Edmeades
Department for
Education and Skills
Strategy
and Funding Division
Room W1120
Moorfoot
Sheffield
S1 4PQ
Tel 0114 259
3585
E-mail: Philip.edmeades@dfes.gsi.gov.uk
|
A. A people First Economy
| WP
Ref: |
Key
Commitments |
Actions |
Target
Dates |
Progress
to Date |
Contacts |
| 2.11
- 2.18 |
A1. Foster creativity and enterprise across our
education and training system |
Introduce
modern processes into the curriculum by training 4500 more teachers
in, and equipping them with, CAD/CAM software |
March
2004 |
Ongoing
There are presently
more than 3,500 teachers registered in the scheme.
Over 400 student
teachers and more than 60% of all secondary schools now have the
Pro/DESKTOP software with a trained teacher.
|
Contact:
Janet Dallas
Tel: 020 7273
5129
Fax: 020 7273
5004
E-mail janet.dallas@dfes.gov.uk
|
| LSC
to take forward a programme of work to develop practitioner skills
and qualifications in the FE sector , with regulations to require
new FE teachers to have a teaching qualification |
September
2001 |
Achieved.
Statutory Instrument 2001/1209 requires all new FE teaching staff
from 1 September 2001 to hold an FE qualification or equivalent
within two to four years of taking up post.
The LSC is providing support to colleges from the Standards Fund,
on a 50:50 matched funding basis, to encourage existing college
staff who are unqualified to attain a teaching qualification and
to provide support for continuing professional development.
|
Contact:
Anne Thomas,
Tel: 0114 259
4257
Fax: 0114 2593886
E-mail ann.thomas@dfes.gov.uk
|
| 2.19
- 2.23 |
A2. Ensure we have a numerate and literate population
and reduce the number of adults with literacy and numeracy problems
by 750,000 by 2004
[DfES
is on track to meet the Basic Skills target to reduce the number of
adults with literacy and numeracy problems by 750,000 by 2004. and
1.5 million by 2007. From
April 2001 to July 2003, it is estimated that a projected 1.9
million learners have taken up Learning and Skills Council (LSC)-
funded education. In the same period 3.09 million LSC- funded
opportunities are estimated to have been provided. We are confident
that
we have met out milestone of helping 470,000 adults to
improve their literacy, language and numeracy skills by July 2003.]
|
Following
launch of the Adult Basic Skills Strategy in March 2001, establish 9
pathfinder projects in the English regions and put in place new core
literacy and numeracy curriculum and tests.
[The
strategy was launched in March 2001 and is now being implemented in
England on a national scale.]
|
Autumn
2001 |
Achieved
The
national literacy and numeracy curricula were published in 2001. The
ESOL curriculum was published in December 2001 and the pre-entry
curriculum framework was published in February 2002. Interactive
curricula are now available in website and CD-Rom format. Progress
is measured through the achievement of national qualifications at
Entry level, Level 1 and Level 2. These approved qualifications are
mapped to the national standards for adult literacy and numeracy.
As
a result of the initial pathfinders DfES now has a detailed delivery
plan and Skills for Life
is a comprehensive strategy to address the country’s basic skills
needs. The strategy is centred on four main strands:
boosting demand; ensuring
capacity;
improving standards; and raising learner achievement. Monitoring,
research and evaluation is ongoing and the department continues to
look to improve and implement new and improved models.
|
Contact:
Lucy Livings
Tel: 020 7273 1295
Fax: 020 7273 5868
Email:
Lucy.Livings@dfes.gsi.gov.uk
|
| Learndirect
to provide 200,000 basic skills enrolments by the end of 2003. |
2003 |
Achieved
By the end of November 2003,
learndirect provided 308,409 Skills for Life enrolments. This figure
covers the financial years of 2001-02, 2002-03, and the first eight
months of 2003-04.
|
Contact:
John Thompson
Tel: 01142 593519
Fax: 01142 593402
E-mail: john.Thompson@dfes.gov.uk
|
| Achieve
target for reductions in adults with literacy and numeracy problems |
2004 |
Pathfinder
projects were established in each English region and within the prison
service from April 2001.
National roll
out of the new national standards, new core curricula, new screening
and diagnostic assessment and the new national tests will take place
from Sept 2001. The pathfinders will continue to test new and innovative
approaches, including sanctions and incentives for those who are
on Jobseekers Allowance.
A promotional
campaign will start from Sept 2001.
|
Contact:
Karen O’Donnell
Tel: 020 7273 5160
Fax: 020 7273 5868
Email:
Karen.O'DONNELL@dfes.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 2.24
- 2.30 |
A3. Develop a world class vocational and technical
education system |
Rationalise
vocational qualifications up to technician level (Level 3 – A
Level equivalent) |
November
2001 |
Now
achieved. (Slippage on original target)
Initial
accreditation of all vocational qualifications at levels 1-3 now
complete.
Major
programme to reform vocational qualifications announced in the
Skills Strategy White Paper.
|
Contact:
Trevor Hall / Philip Lomas
P.
Lomas
Tel:
0114 2593998
Fax:
0114 2593044
E-mail:
Philip.Lomas@dfes.gsi.gov.uk
T
Hall
Tel:
0114 259 4321
Fax:
0114 259 4475
E-mail:
Trevor.Hall@dfes.gsi.gov.uk
|
| Half
of all general FE colleges have a Centre of Vocational Excellence
(COVE) |
2004-05 |
A
joint DfES/LSC prospectus setting out policy and operational frameworks
for COVEs was published on 26 July 2001, when 16 pathfinder COVEs
were also announced. The Pathfinders will go live in Sept 2001. The
target date for half of all general FE colleges to have a COVE has
moved forward to 2003-04 from 2004-05, as per the Manifesto commitment.
The LSC will
publish a circular inviting general FE colleges to bid to become
COVEs in Sept 2001. These main roll out COVEs will come on stream
from April 2002.
|
Contact:
Keith McMaster
Tel: 0114 259
3058
Fax: 0114 259
4482
E-mail Keith.McMaster@dfes.gov.uk
|
| Allocate
over one billion pounds so that Modern Apprenticeships (75,000 in
1997 and over 243,000 by March 2001) will be reformed and rise to
320,000 |
2004 |
Over
£2.6 billion allocated for work based learning, including Modern Apprenticeships
(MAs) over 3 years to ensure that numbers rise from 243,000 currently
to 320,000 on reformed MA by 2003-04
Since the launch
of the White Paper, the MA Advisory Group has been established under
the Chairmanship of Sir John Cassells and will report in September
2001.
|
Contact:
Brian Teahan
Tel: 0114 259
4112
Fax: 0114 259
3565
E-mail Brian.Teahan@dfes.gov.uk
|
|
A4. Develop a workforce with world beating Information
and Communication Technology (ICT) skills |
Train
up to 10,000 more people per year in advanced ICT learning programmes
through new technology institutes. |
2004 |
Deadline
to call for outline bids is 19th October 2001. Second stage
deadline is 21st February 2002.
Announcements
of successful bids will be made in April 2002
|
Contact:
Barry Keight
Tel: 0114 259
3464
Fax: 0114 259
3850
E-mail: barry.keight@dfes.gov.uk
|
| Pilot
in New Deal programmes to move 5,000 people into ICT jobs, beginning
in autumn 2001 |
December
2004 |
|
Christine
Winfield
Department for
Work and Pensions
Tel: 020 7925
6626
chris.winfield@dfes.gov.uk
|
| Introduce
around 6000 UK online centres, including in some of our most disadvantaged
urban and rural communities |
Target
date rescheduled from March
2002 to December 2002 |
Achieved
DfES
achieved the 6,000 target 6 weeks ahead of the revised schedule
|
Contact:
Tracey Battle
Tel:
0114 259 1249
Fax:
0114 259 4047
E-mail: tracey.battle@dfes.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 2.38
- 2.44 |
A5. Ensure that employers invest in skills and
talents of all |
LSC
to agree clear targets for improving workforce skills and publish
these in a workforce development strategy |
Target
date changed from Dec 2001 to
November 2002
|
Achieved
The
LSC’s workforce development strategy was published on 14 November
2002 and sets out how it will deliver its statutory responsibility
to raise skill levels. The strategy places workforce development at
the heart of the LSC’s remit and complements the Cabinet Office
Strategy Unit’s report on workforce development.
|
Contact:
Graham
Cheetham
Tel:
0114 259 3845
Fax:
0114 259 3593
E-mail:
graham.cheetham@dfes
|
| Invest
an extra £45m in a smaller, stronger network of reformed National
Training Organisations, with new arrangements in place
Additional
investment in sector skills has ensured the establishment of the
Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA). The SSDA is developing a
network of Sector Skills Councils (SSCs). SSCs are new employer led
independent strategic sector bodies.
|
March
2002
this
date relates to deadline for approving budgets for the SSCs. Target
date met.
|
Achieved
There
are 5 trailblazer Sector Skills Councils (SSC) and 9 SSCs in
development. It is anticipated that the SSC network will be
substantially in place by March 2004.
|
Contact:
Steve Roper
Tel: 0114 259
3615
Fax: 0114 259
4969
E-mail: stephen.roper@dfes.gov.uk
|
| Invest
an extra £8m to support Group Training Associations (GTAs) to provide
Modern Apprenticeships |
2004 |
Standards
Fund support for MAs providers from 2002-04 to ensure GTAs and others
deliver higher quality work based learning. |
Contact:
Brian Teahan
Tel: 0114 259
4112
Fax: 0114 259
3565
E-mail Brian.Teahan@dfes.gov.uk
|
B. All regions to prosper
| WP
Ref: |
Key
Commitments |
Actions |
Target
Dates |
Progress
to Date |
Contacts |
| 3.13-
3.15
|
B1. Build regional capacity for innovation, skills
and R&D |
Five
university innovation centres announced in White Paper established. |
Sept
2001 |
Achieved
|
Contact:
Beccy
Eggleton/Jackie Roberts
Tel:
020 7215 6581/2637
Fax:
020 7215 5668
E-mail:
Beccy.Eggleton@dti.gsi.gov.uk
Jackie.Roberts@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| University
innovation centre model to be adopted by around 10 other industry/university
collaborations. |
April
2002 -
although much
of the work of this objective is continuing beyond that date.
|
Ongoing
Aspects of UIC
model adopted in several HEIF bids and
RDAs have adopted this partnership model using their own resources.
|
| 3.22-3.23 |
|
Initial
new technology institutes established. |
First
NTIs to be set up in Autumn 2002.
All
18 to be established by 2003/04.
|
Achieved
On 7 May Margaret Hodge announced
the 18 consortia (2 per English region) recommended by the HEFCE
Board to become New Technology Institutes (NTIs), following a 2
stage bidding process.
All
18 partnerships have now been established and many are operating
already.
|
Contact:
Fran Britton
Tel:
020 7925 5215
Fax:
020 7925 6664
Email:
Frances.Britton@dfes.gsi.gov.uk
|
| Up
to 2 centres in each English region operational |
2004 |
|
| 3.16 |
|
Establish
effective networking arrangements between University Innovation Centres
and New Technology Institutes |
Target
date rescheduled from Dec 2001 to June 2003.
Subsequently
rescheduled to Sept
2004.
|
In
Progress
Representatives
from DTI, SBS, DfES, HEFCE and the RDAs have met and are considering
how best to forge links between Centres of Vocational Excellence,
New Technology Institutes, the Manufacturing Advisory Service and
University Innovation Centres.
|
Contact:
Beccy
Eggleton/Jackie Roberts
Tel:
020 7215 6581/2637
Fax:
020 7215 5668
E-mail:
Beccy.Eggleton@dti.gsi.gov.uk
Jackie.Roberts@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 3.24-3.27 |
B2. Boost capacity for regional enterprise |
Launch
a new £75m incubator fund.
Agree bidding
process with the RDAs
|
Sept
2001 |
Achieved
in October 2001 |
Contact:
Frank D'Cruze Tel:
020 7215 8210
Fax: 020 7215 8206
E-mail: frank.d'cruze@sbs.gsi.gov.uk
|
| Announcement
of first loans |
Target
date changed from Dec 2001 to end of F/Year 2002/2003
|
Due
to EU state Aid considerations, the Incubation Fund was closed on
5th November 2003 |
| Develop
around 75 incubators |
Target
date changed from April 2004 to April 2005 |
|
| 3.28
- 3.29 |
|
The
Small Business Service to establish plan and start working with the
Inland Revenue, Customs and Excise and the Employment Service to identify
and help growth companies |
Dec
2001 |
Achieved
The
Small Business Service, through its Business Link Operators (BLOs)
network, is committed to providing support for locally delivered
high growth start-ups services to ensure that new businesses go on
to achieve real growth. BLOs
and their local partners are working to ensure all those with high
growth potential have access to appropriate help and advice and that
such services are funded and delivered in a coherent fashion. The
BLO network has seen a significant increase in usage of high growth
programmes. |
Contact:
Grant Peggie
Tel: 0114 259
7578
Fax: 0114 259
7505
E-mail: grant.peggie@sbs.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 3.31 |
|
SBS
will pilot "Business Buddies" scheme and review outcome |
Dec
2001 |
In Progress
Business Buddies is being pursued locally, as appropriate, by
Business Link Operators within the context of their business support
delivery plans
|
Contact:
Grant Peggie
Tel: 020 7215 8250
E-mail: grant.peggie@sbs.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 3.32
- 3.35 |
B3. Widen Access to finance |
Help
a minimum of 1000 businesses over the next 3 years committing up to
£50m from the Enterprise Fund. |
April
2004
|
In
progress
Responses
to an early consultation on ‘Knowledge Funding’ highlighted that
there was a problem for small firms in accessing small amounts of
funding for early stage growth. However, it did not suggest any
single solution.
SBS
issued an information pack and bidding guidance in November 2001,
which invited those with innovative solutions to bid for government
support.
|
Contact:
Adrian Piper
Tel: 020 7215 8250
Fax: 020 7215
3932
E-mail: adrian.piper@sbs.gsi.gov.uk
|
| First
investments for early stage financing of growth. |
Rescheduled
from December
2001 to 2002 |
Achieved
After two bidding rounds six proposals
received in principle offers of support from the Small Business
Service. The first fund launched officially in December 2002 having
concluded its first deal. Other funds will come on stream during
2003.
|
| 3.36 |
|
Consult
on Community Investment Tax Credit |
March
2001 |
Achieved
Consultation
document issued by HMT on 1/3/01
|
Contact:
Stephen Chambers
Tel: 0114 259
7422
Fax: 0114 259
7316
E-mail: steve.chambers@sbs.gsi.gov.uk
Contact on bank
disclosure:
Sam Woods
Tel: 020 7270
5206
e-Mail:
sam.woods@hm-treasury.gsi.gov.uk
|
| Set
up the first Community Development Venture Fund |
March
2002 |
Achieved
Bridges Community Ventures was
launched in May 2002, managing a £40m fund for investment in
growing SMEs in the 25% most disadvantaged electoral wards in
England. Through the Phoenix Fund HMG is a 50% investor in the fund
alongside a number of corporate and individual private sector
investors. The fund made its first investments in December 2002. |
| Encourage
banks to disclose individual lending to firms in under-invested areas |
March
2003 |
Ongoing
Barclays have
already disclosed some information.
The BBA are
pulling together an industry-wide disclosure plan, which should
see data published during the first half of 2003.
|
| Issue
guidance on how charities can invest in social enterprises |
March
2001 |
Achieved
Charity Commission
Guidance launched on 2/5/01
|
| Encourage
the community development sector to form an effective trade association |
Dec
2001 |
Achieved
This representative body for the
Community Development Finance Institution sector is now operational
and has appointed a Chief Executive and two functional Directors.
Phoenix Fund support amounting to approximately 40% of the CDFA's
direct operating costs has been offered for the first three years. |
| 3.40 |
B4.
Encourage manufacturing Excellence |
Establish
new Manufacturing Advisory Service |
April
2002 |
The first
Regional Centres for Manufacturing Excellence that deliver the
Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) were launched as planned in
April 2002 in the North West, South East and East Midlands. Since
then further Regional Centres have been launched in all of the
remaining English Regions and in Wales. The MAS has thus been
established and more than 4,500 manufacturing companies have
benefited from its professional diagnostic advice. |
Contact:
Martin Berry
Tel: 020 7215
2927
Fax: 020 7215
1070
E-mail: martin.berry@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 3.41 |
|
Extend
Industry Forum to additional four more sectoral partnerships |
April
2001 |
Achieved
7 full projects
now in place.
2 pilot projects
in place.
2 further projects
under consideration.
|
Contact:
Richard Arnott
Tel: 020 7215
1551
Fax: 020 7215
3601
E-mail: richard.arnott@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 3.42 |
|
Announce
next 8 Faraday Partnerships
|
May
2001 |
Achieved
8 Partnerships have been announced
|
Contact:
Philip O’Neil
Tel: 020 7215
1657
Fax: 020 7215
1646
E-mail: philip.o'neil@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| Extend
Faraday network to 24 partnerships |
April
2002 |
Achieved
Final 6 Faradays
announced 6 September 2002
|
| 3.43 |
|
Launch
new LINK Bioremediation Programme for proposals to promote biotechnology
for environmental cleanup |
From
April 2001 |
Achieved
Programme launched
on 5/4/01
|
Contact:
Dr Martin Anthony
Tel: 020 7215
4105
Tel: 020 7215
1275
E-mail: martin.anthony@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 3.44 |
|
Review
training in commercialising research |
Target
date for completion of review rescheduled from Sept 2001 to Dec 2001
Target
date for publication of outcomes Feb 2002.
|
Achieved
The review of TT
training provision was published in March 2002.
|
Contact:
Robert Clay
Tel: 020 7215 3869
Fax: 020 7215 0054
E-mail: robert.clay@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 3.49 |
B5.
Promote Clusters |
All
RDAs to produce strategies for success |
Dec
2001 |
Achieved
All
RDAs produced Strategies for Success – evaluated September 2001.
At the Clusters Policy Steering Group meeting of 18th
October, it was agreed that these would be worked into the next
versions of RDA Regional Economic
Strategies. |
Contact:
Beccy
Eggleton/Karen Booth
Tel:
020 7215 6581/2818
Fax:
020 7215 5668
E-mail:
beccy.L.eggleton@dti.gsi.gov.uk
Karen.booth@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 3.56
- 3.60 |
B6. Improve the planning system |
Progress
report on performance of local planning authorities under Best Value
regime |
Ongoing |
Quarterly
monitoring of all authorities’ performance. In 2001/02, against
increased workload, the number of applications determined in eight
weeks was 65% (up from 63% in 2000/01). New handling targets were
set for 2002/03 to ensure timely processing of all categories of
application. In 2001/02 and 2002/03 performance standards have been
set for the poorest performers. There have been detailed discussions
with authorities who have not met the standards. Further standards
are proposed in 2003/04 for poor performers.
|
Contact:
Alex
James
Tel:
020 7944 3940
Fax:
020 7944 5004
E-mail:
Alex.james@odpm.gsi.gov.uk
|
| Progress
report on preparation and implementation of Regional Planning Guidance |
Dec
2001 |
Achieved
Regional
Planning Guidance (RPG) to be replaced by Regional Spatial
Strategies (RSS) under the Planning & Compulsory Purchase Bill
which is currently going through Parliament.
|
| Progress
report on the Planning Portal project, to extend the electronic processing
of planning appeals and provide a single access point to planning
information. |
Dec
2001 |
Achieved
Planning
Portal went live on 31 May 2002. Development of Portal, roll-out of
its services and the signing up of LPAs to Portal continues (more
than 100 LPAs already signed up). Development plans added in
September 2002 and pilot scheme for online application service
launched 11 December, End-to-end trial of Planning Casework Service
(electronic processing of planning appeals) due early in 2003.
|
| 3.63 |
B7.
Overcome the Skills Divide |
Funding
of £13.5m (plus £13.5m match funding from the Home Office Active Community
Settlement) to support more volunteering activities by HE students. |
Sept
2001
Revised to early 2002
|
Achieved
Funding
allocated to HE institutions March/April 2002
Overall
objective of HEACF remains to support more volunteering by HE
students (13,700 by August 2004). The initiative is being managed by
the Higher Education Funding Council for England, who report that at
December 2002, 5560 new volunteering opportunities have been
created, and that of these 357 are for those aged over 50. This
means that the initiative is on target. Monies started to flow to
institutions of HE in March / April 2002, and many spent the first
few months mapping existing provision and recruiting organisers.
|
Contact: Penny Lasko
Tel: 0114 259
4661
Fax: 0114 259 3850
E-mail:
penny.lasko@dfes.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 3.64 |
|
Introduction
of enhanced New Deal for those aged 25 and over at a cost of approximately
£300m per year. |
April
2001 |
Achieved
New Deal 25Plus
was introduced in April 2001
|
Contact:
Sue Joshua
Department for
Work and Pensions
Tel: 020 7925
5972
Fax: 020 7925
6185
E-mail: sue.Joshua@dfes.gov.uk
|
| 3.66 |
|
Announcement
of 6 new projects under the Wired Up Communities Initiative in phase
2 |
March
2001 |
Achieved
6 new projects
announced on 16 march 2001 by DfEE Learning & Technology Minister
Michael Wills.
|
Contact:
Brett Grant
Tel:
0114 259 5773
Fax:
0114 259 4047
E-mail:
brett.grant@dfes.gsi.gov.uk
|
| Implement
2nd Round of the Wired Up Communities Initiative
Ministers
announced six phase 2 projects on 16 March 2001
|
July
2001 |
Achieved
All
six locations covered by the second stage of the Wired-up
Communities initiative are now up and running. Around 9000 homes and
other locations are connected to the internet and it is hoped that
up to 12000 locations will be connected by the end of March 2003.
All projects are being evaluated.
|
| 3.71 |
B8. Deal with major restructuring |
Start
roll-out of the new Job Transition Service |
June
2001 |
Achieved
New elements
of the Job Transition Service have been established. The Rapid Response
Fund (RRF) is due to move to the Employment Service.
|
Contact:
Jane Lister
Tel:
0114 259 4175
Fax:
0114 259 4515
E-mail:
Jane.lister@dwp.gsi.gov.uk
|
| Fully
operational in mainstream Jobcentre Plus |
April
2002 |
Achieved
Renamed
Rapid Response Service in Nov 2001. Fully operational from April
2002 when Rapid Response Fund (RRF) moved from DfES to Jobcentre
Plus.
|
| 3.74 |
|
Conduct
and evaluate "Recruit" pilots in 12 areas. |
From
April 2001 |
Achieved
13 pilot schemes
set up 9/4/01
|
Contact:
Christine Winfield
Department for
Work and Pensions
Tel: 020 7925 6626
Fax: 020 7925 6185
E-mail: Christine.Winfield@dfes.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 3.75 |
|
RDAs
to develop Employment Action Plans in consultation with other partners |
From
April 2001 |
Achieved
First
frameworks developed. Key
Stakeholders and others are reviewing to agree action on priorities
for next year.
|
Contact:
Pat
Cook
Department
for Work and Pensions
Tel: 020 7962 8407
Fax:
020 962 8843
E-mail:
pat.cook@dwp.gsi.gov.uk
|
C. Investing in new sources of business success
| WP
Ref: |
Key
Commitments |
Actions |
Target
Dates |
Progress
to Date |
Contacts |
| 4.12 |
C1. Boost the commitment to R&D |
Announce
plans to introduce a new tax incentive for R&D for larger companies
and launch a consultation on its design. |
April
2001 |
Achieved
Announcement
made in 2001 Budget Statement
|
Contact:
Mike Crabtree
Tel: 020 7270
5181
Fax: 020 7270
4414
E-mail: mike.crabtree@hm-treasury.gsi.gov.uk
|
| Complete
consultation |
June
2001 |
Achieved.
A consultation
was completed in June
|
| Introduce
tax credit |
During
2002 |
Achieved
An R&D tax credit for large and middle-sized
companies was introduced in 2002 to complement the tax credit for
small and medium sized companies introduced in budget 2000.
|
| 4.13 |
|
Complete
consultation for Quinquennial review of the Research Councils: |
June
2001 |
Achieved |
Contact:
Richard King
Tel: 020 7271
2040
Fax: 020 7271
2155
E-mail: richard.king@osct.dti.gov.uk
|
| Reach
conclusions |
Oct.
2001 |
| 4.16
- 4.20 |
C2.
Encourage commercial exploitation of research |
Under
the £25m "Harnessing Genomics" programme launch the bio-manufacturing
and the mentoring & incubator elements. |
October
2001 |
Achieved
i) Public announcement in May 2001 of £3M of DTI's Harnessing
Genomics funds to support a major national bio-manufacturing facility
in the North West - based in Liverpool.
ii) Jointly, with Department of Health, launched in July 2001 a
major competition to set up Genetics Knowledge Parks with £5M
of DTI funding (alongside £10M from DH). This takes forward
both the applied R&D and the mentoring & incubator element
of the Harnessing Genomics Programme.
|
Tel:
020 7215 5000 |
| 4.21
- 4.22 |
|
Establish
a Programme Advisory Committee (PAC) of industrialists and other stakeholders
for the £25m basic technologies programme. |
July
2001 |
Achieved
Following successful
meetings with industry and other stakeholders in June and July,
the PAC has met twice to consider how
best to take forward the programme.
|
Contact:
David Rose Tel: 020 7215
1232
Fax: 020 7215
1547
E-mail: david.rose@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| Launch
the first major call for proposals. |
Dec
2001 |
Achieved
The
First Call under the Basic Technologies Programme was announced by
Lord Sainsbury on 26 July 2002. We have had an excellent response to
the call. 140 LINK and 50 Technology Transfer outline proposals were
received which are now under appraisal.
|
| 4.23-4.26 |
|
e-Science (GRID) Programme
Established
national centre, network regional centres, large portfolio of
collaborative projects and activities, outreach programme, good
buy-in from both industry and industry,
1st
Call for e-science Application Projects
|
April
2001
|
Achieved
Announcement
made w/c 16 April
|
Contact:
Ray Browne
Tel
0207 215 1287
Fax
0207 215 1631
E-mail:
ray.browne@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 1st
Call Generic Challenge Projects |
May
2001 |
Achieved |
| 2nd
Call Generic Challenge projects |
February
2002 |
Achieved
All
calls closed. Real
time monitoring and evaluation being implemented.
|
| 4.23-4.26 |
|
Launch
of Next Wave Technologies and Markets programme for ICT technologies |
April
2001 |
Achieved
Scoping study
carried out to look at the development of the programme. Report
received in May 2001.
|
Contacts:
Richard
Foggie
Tel:
0207 215 1297
Fax:
0207 215 1814
E - Mail: richard.foggie@dti.gsi.gov.uk
Or
Ray
Browne
Tel
0207 215 1287
Fax
0207 215 1631
E-mail:
ray.browne@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| Invite
tenders to host interdisciplinary Research Centre (IRC) |
Now
Feb 2002. Slipped from Sept 2001.
|
Achieved
|
| Establish
IRC |
Now
Mar 2002. slipped from Dec 2001
|
Achieved
Virtual
Centre (vIRC) organised.
Six
participating centres established along with many running projects.
More
planned. Significant
industrial interests in all activities
Established
relations with research councils.
Open
call for more proposals closes in February 2003 – adequate viable
proposals expected
Real
time monitoring and evaluation plans being implemented.
More
information about the vIRC can be found at:
www.nextwave.org.uk |
| 4.30 |
C3.
Boost green technology |
Achieve
targets in Waste and Resources Action Programme 3-year Business Plan
|
2002/03
2003/04
|
Work
is in progress
EU
State Aids approval for WRAP projects granted allowing WRAP to
proceed with Business Plan. Establishment of equity fund and
significant further R&D support for recycling sector resulted.
Approval for major investment in recycling newsprint at UPK Kymmene
at Shotton also approved. As a result all newsprint manufactured in
the UK is now made from 100% secondary fibre and 321,000 tonnes of
newspapers and magazines will be diverted from landfill every year.
|
Contact:
John Lownds
Tel: 020 7215 4175
Fax:
020 7215 5835
E-mail:
john.lownds@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 4.31 |
|
Complete
PIU study of the longer term issues concerned with resource productivity
and renewables |
Autumn
2001 |
Achieved.
Analytical
report on short-term funding for renewables published on Monday 5th
November, and available via www.piu.gov.uk.
DTI responsible for implementation.
Report
on resource productivity published on Tuesday 20th November, and
available via www.piu.gov.uk.
DEFRA responsible for implementation.
Additional
analysis of renewable energy subsumed into wider review of energy policy,
also conducted by PIU.
|
Contact: Ian Coates
Performance and Innovation Unit
Cabinet Office
Tel: 020 7276 1423
Fax: 020 7276 1408
email: ian.coates@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 4.35 |
|
Launch
the Carbon Trust's constitution and membership in liaison with DTI
and Devolved Administrations. |
March
2001 |
Achieved
Programme launched
20/3/01
|
Contact:
Stephen Biddulph
Tel: 020 7944
6669
Fax: 020 7944
8864
E-mail: Stephen_biddulph@dtlr.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 4.36
–
4.39
|
|
Under
the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Demonstration programme install small-scale
(0-5kWp) PV arrays on around 3,500 domestic properties, and large-scale
(20kWp+) arrays on around 100 non-domestic properties |
By
end 2004 |
Ongoing
Competition
held to recruit consultant to design first phase of Demonstration
Programme. Due to report by end of October
|
Contact:
James Marsh
Tel: 020 7215
2652
Fax: 020 7215
2674
E-mail: mailto:james.marsh@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 4.43 |
C4.
Accelerate take-up of broadband communications networks |
Issue
report of UK online Broadband Stakeholder Group, chaired by the E-Minister. |
September
2001 |
Achieved
Initial report to Ministers published in September 2001.
Final report
published on 3 December 2001.
|
Contact:
Graham Walker
Tel: 020 7276
3274
Fax: 020 7238
2069
E-mail: graham.walker@cabinet-office.gov.uk
|
| 4.44 |
|
Invite
applications from Devolved Administrations (DAs) and RDAs for innovative
local schemes to extend broadband networks. |
Rescheduled
for October 2001 from the previous target date of June. |
Achieved
Douglas Alexander invited applications on 9 October 2001
|
Contact:
Michael Duggan
Tel: 020 7215
1763
Fax: 020 7215
1721
E-mail: Michael.duggan@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 4.49 |
|
Work
with the Digital Content Forum and others to develop pilots stimulating
creation of local broadband content
|
March
2002 |
Achieved
The
DTI and Digital Content Forum published a feasibility study on 3
proposed pilots in June 2003. This has been positively
received, and there are very encouraging signs that many of the
recommended initiatives on broadband content will be taken forward
by the regions and nations, where there is a welcome recognition of
the advantages of working collaboratively on this
More information can be found on the Digital
Content Forum website:
www.dcf.org.uk
|
Contact:
Adrian Brazier
Tel: 020 7215
1295
Fax: 020 7215
1370
E-mail: adrian.brazier@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| Hold
a major Government/industry conference to bring together content producers
from different media and infrastructure providers |
End
2001 |
Achieved
Summit held
December 2001 at Lancaster House with ministers, senior private
sector figures from content and infrastructure companies, regulators
and others.
Constructive
dialogue between all parties.
|
| 4.54 |
C5. Boost digital TV |
Establish
Digital TV stakeholders group |
March
2001 |
Achieved
Group established
– first meeting held 7 March
|
Contact:
Jane Humphreys
Tel: 020 7215
1763
Fax: 020 7215
1721
E-mail: jane.humphreys@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| Appoint
digital TV champion |
June
2001 |
No
digital champion appointed. Chairman
of the Stakeholders Group appointed by Industry on 25 Jan 2002. |
| Champion
to develop and agree action plan with stakeholders |
December
2001 |
Achieved
Digital Television Action Plan published on the Government’s
Digital Television Website on 20 Dec 2001. Approved by Stakeholders
on 25 Jan 2002.
|
| 4.55 |
|
Launch
first two pilots offering free conversion to digital TV to defined
communities |
End
Dec 2001 |
Achieved
The
"Go Digital" project, a two-phase pilot in the Sutton
Coldfield, Lichfield and Tamworth area is nearing completion.
|
Contact:
Ian Dixon
Tel: 020 7215
1767
Fax: 020 7215
1966
E-mail: ian.dixon@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 4.57 |
|
Launch
logo for labelling integrated digital televisions |
March
2001 |
Achieved
The DVB logo
was launched at CEBIT in Hanover on 21/3/01.
|
Contact:
Jane Humphreys
Tel: 020 7215
1763
Fax: 020 7215
1721
E-mail: jane.humphreys@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| Complete
initial review on impact of digital TV on energy use |
End
Dec 2001 |
Achieved
Incorporated into Digital Television
Action Plan.
|
| 4.58 |
|
Develop
public information campaign to explain wider opportunities of digital
TV |
In
phases from April 2001 |
Ongoing
Incorporated into items 2.2-2.4 of Digital Television Action Plan.
Market Preparation Task Group in place, and taking this work
forward.
ITV have begun
showing an `Infomercial’ to promote the DVB logo.
BBC & ITV
have been asked to run information campaigns on the benefits of digital
TV.
The Digital Television Group's Free-to-View website www.freetoview.co.uk,
and an accompanying leaflet for use by retailers was launched on
31 October.
The Government launched a digital television website www.digitaltv.culture.gov.uk
on 12 October.
|
Contact:
Jane Humphreys
Tel: 020 7215
1763
Fax: 020 7215
1721
E-mail: jane.humphreys@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 4.60-4.64 |
C6. Enable e-business |
Complete
a marketing strategy for new e-business awareness and understanding
campaign
Engage with
industry and other partners on at least 5 sector specific activities
|
Target
date changed from Dec 2001 to May 2002
|
Achieved
Advertising campaigns have been delivered in
March/April 2002, and autumn 2002, building on the ongoing media
relations work. Focus is on increased engagement with third parties,
including partners and business support organisations, to deliver
message at regional and local levels. Objective is to translate the
programme awareness figures achieved (48%, International
Benchmarking Study 2002) into increased understanding and uptake of
the activities and support offered, while emphasising the sustained
benefits businesses can achieve through more integrated use of ICTs.
Sector activities achieved. To date 51 e-commerce impact
studies completed and a further 5 underway. Follow up implementation
plans underway or being developed in conjunction with relevant trade
associations and industry in a number of sectors including oil &
gas, retail, production machinery, electronics, construction,
chemicals and aerospace.
|
Contact:
Mark Swarbrick
Tel: 020 7215
1730
Fax: 020 7215
5839
E-mail: mark.swarbrick@dti.gov.gsi.uk
|
| Carry
out International Benchmarking Surveys and adjust activities as necessary |
Annually |
Ongoing
2002 Study completed and
launched in December 2002. IBS 2003 currently out to tender.
Development of e-business policy being informed by IBS findings
(corroborated elsewhere) on increasing importance of business
adopting a more sophisticated, integrated use of ICTs. |
Contact:
Terry Noade Tel: 020 7215
1149
Fax: 020 7215 5839
E-mail: terry.noade@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 4.68 |
|
Launch
portal for new internet mentoring initiative |
May
2001 |
Achieved
The portal www.beyondbricks.com
launched on 27/09/01. By end
October 01, over 1100 users registered.
|
Contact:
John Kroeger
Tel: 020 7215
1380
Fax: 020 7215
1370
E-mail: john.kroeger@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| Launch
Incubator stimulation Fund: |
May
2001 |
Achieved
First call for
proposals complete. Good response with 30 proposals received. Winners
to be announced soon. Second call launched, closes on 03/10/01.
|
| 1st
call for proposals. |
2002/03 |
Achieved
First and
second calls completed in 2002.
|
| Complete
market data study |
March
2002 |
Achieved
Study
published in Summer 2002.
|
| 4.69 |
C7. Encourage confident and knowledgeable consumers |
Complete
review of TrustUK |
May
2001 |
Achieved |
Contact:
Martin Bond
Tel: 020 7215
0340
Fax: 020 7215
0339
E-mail: martin.bond@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| Work
with TrustUK, other UK stakeholders and our international partners,
to develop greater coherence and mutual recognition of e-commerce
codes of conduct both bilaterally and in international fora |
Target
date rescheduled from Dec 2001 to Spring 2003
|
In Progress
TrustUK has participated in European
Commission stakeholder meetings to draw up an EU scheme for
e-commerce codes.
The
Commission’s proposal for such a scheme is unlikely to appear in
the near future however; it has recently invited tenders to conduct
a 15-month research project on the functioning of trustmarks in the
e-commerce marketplace.
|
| Ongoing |
In progress
Negotiation of a Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral trustmark
cooperation is ongoing between TrustUK and the KIEC of Korea. DTI will continue to work
with relevant UK players to expedite mutual international
recognition.
|
| 4.70 |
|
Negotiate
and sign Memoranda of Understanding on
enforcement cooperation with Canada,
Australia and New Zealand.
|
Target
date rescheduled from Dec 2001 to Spring 2003
|
Achieved
MoUs
signed in October 2003.
|
Contact:
Martin Bond
Tel: 020 7215
0340
Fax: 020 7215
0339
E-mail: martin.bond@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| Establish
UK Clearing House for the European Extra-Judicial Network |
Target date rescheduled from June 2001 to Oct 2001 |
Achieved
Pilot phase
of EEJ-Net launched in Brussels on 16 October.
|
| 4.72 |
|
Achieve
40% coverage by Consumer Support Networks of the consumer population
|
March
2002 |
In progress
100%
coverage by developing CSNs and 10% by operational CSNs was achieved
by March 2002. Progress was slower than anticipated - in part due to
Trading Standards' and Citizens Advice Bureaux' involvement in foot
and mouth, and in part due to an underestimation of the difficulties
in some parts of GB for agencies to work together.
|
Contact:
Kevin Byrne Tel: 020 7215
0378
Fax: 020 7215
0373
E-mail: kevin.byrne@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| Achieve
100% coverage of the consumer population |
June
2004 |
|
D. A climate for Enterprise and Growth
| WP
Ref: |
Key
Commitments |
Actions |
Target
Dates |
Progress
to Date |
Contacts |
| 5.11 |
D1.
Modernise insolvency law |
Relax
personal insolvency rules for the honest majority |
When
Parliamentary time allows |
Ongoing
Provisions
were included in the Enterprise Act 2002. Secondary
legislation to commence them is now being prepared. The likely
commencement date is Spring 2004.
|
Contact:
Mike Norris
Tel: 020 7291
6734
Fax: 020 7291
6746
E-mail: mike.norris@insolvency.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 5.12 |
|
Investigate
the viability of providing a single scheme, unifying bankruptcy and
the County Court Administration procedure, to deal with all personal
insolvency |
July
2001 |
Ongoing
The Department for Constitutional Affairs is to
issue a
consultation paper in spring 2004 seeking views on
the effectiveness and future of the County Court Administration
regime.
The closing date for the consultation is likely to
be in the early summer.
|
Contact: Mike Norris
Tel: 020 7291 6736
Fax: 020 7291 6746
E-mail: mike.norris@insolvency.gsi.gov.uk.
|
| 5.13 |
|
Introduce
new legislation to bring business insolvency law and practice up to
date. |
When
Parliamentary time allows |
Ongoing
Provisions
were included in the Enterprise Act 2002. Secondary
legislation to commence them is now being prepared.
The likely
commencement date is Spring 2003.
|
Contact: Steve Leinster
Tel: 020 7291 6858
Fax: 020 7291 6746
E-mail: stephen.leinster@insolvency.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 5.14 |
|
Publish
responses to consultation on Report of the Company Rescues Review
Group |
End
March 2001 |
Achieved
Responses published
on 4/4/01 by Stephen Byers
|
Contact:
John Moore
Tel: 020 7291
6750
Fax: 020 7291
6746
E-mail: john.moore@insolvency.gsi.gov.uk
|
| Set
up new Inland
Revenue/Customs
and Excise Unit dealing with company rescues
|
April
2001 |
Achieved
Unit began work
on 1/4/01
|
| 5.17 |
D2.
Reduce regulatory barriers |
DTI
will report on progress by OFT in assessing impact of existing regulations
on competition and barriers to entry. |
October
2001 |
Achieved
The Competition White Paper published in July took forward the
initiative for OFT to advise when laws or regulations affect the
working of markets. In particular it included a commitment by Government
to respond to OFT reports within 90 days. OFT has announced three
market studies, into Consumer IT services, Pharmacies, and extended
warranties for electrical goods. These inquiries have a range of
possible outcomes, of which advice to Government on the effects
of laws and regulations is one possibility.
|
Contact: Louise Proudlove
Tel: 020 7215 6260
Fax: 020 7215 2837
Email: louise.proudlove@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 5.23 |
D3.
Reduce financial barriers |
Keep
under review the effectiveness of quoted equity markets as exit routes
to venture capitalists |
ongoing |
Ongoing
Work is continuing
on this
|
Contact:
Tony Pedrotti
Tel: 020 7215
6639
Fax 020 7215
6644
E-mail: tony.pedrotti@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 5.24 |
|
Paul
Myners to report on possible distortions to institutional investment
decision-making that discourage investment in SMEs |
March
2001 |
Achieved
Report published
7/3/01 (Budget day)
|
Contact
Daniel Oppenheimer
Tel: 020 7270
4987
Fax: 020 7270
1760
E-mail: daniel.oppenheimer@hm-treasury.gsi.gov.uk
|
| Consultation
launched |
May
2001 |
Ongoing
Consultation
on Myners principles completed
|
| 5.25 |
|
Government
will further improve the fiscal environment through proposals announced
in the PBR to reduce impact of VAT on SMEs and will expand the Enterprise
Management Incentive (EMI) Scheme |
March
2001 |
Achieved
Increased VAT
registration thresholds and a new SME turnover level, announced
in the PBR, were confirmed in the 2001 Budget statement.
Changes to the
EMI Scheme were announced by the Chancellor on 18 June.
|
Contact:
Mike Crabtree
Tel: 020 7215
6983
Fax: 020 7215
6691
E-mail: mike.crabtree@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 5.26 |
. |
SBS
to consult on initiatives on helping small business understand external
investment better and be prepared to take it on |
August
2001 |
Achieved
Round table held on 1 August to consult with representatives from
small firms and finance sector. Demonstration Project launched in
East of England in September 2001
|
Contact:
Adrian Piper
Tel: 020 7215
2677
Fax: 020 7215
3932
E-mail: adrian.piper@sbs.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 5.29 |
D4.
Improve the intellectual property regime |
The
Patent Office will work with the Small Business Service (SBS) to revamp
the delivery of information for lone inventors and small businesses
and set up a pilot private applicant unit to deal with patent applications
from them. |
Sept
2001. |
Achieved
The Patent Office continues to work with the SBS (and others) to
improve the delivery of information and services to small businesses
and lone inventors. We have produced new advisory literature setting
patents in their wider context supplementing advice on how to obtain
protection. The pilot private applicant unit for patents was set
up in September 2001.
|
Contact:
Andy Bartlett
Tel: 01633 814605
Fax: 01633 814504
E-mail: andrew.bartlett@patent.gov.uk
|
| 5.31 |
D5. Improve Government support for business |
Foresight
Link Awards launched as a pilot for processing applications for schemes
within a 30-day period. |
March
2001 |
Achieved
Awards launched
on 5 March 2001, with a closing date for applications of 12 June
2001. Applications were successfully processed within the 30 day
deadline and applicants were notified of the outcome on 12 July
2001.
|
Contact:
Pippa Goldschmidt
Tel:
020 7215 0988
Fax:
020 7215 1696
E-mail:
pippa.goldschmidt@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| Assess
which schemes will be suitable to meet the 30-day target. |
From
July 2001 |
Ongoing
Following
the 2001 Review of Business Support, all existing schemes are being
replaced with a small set of more strategically focussed
products.
Four
new products were released in Spring 03.
Targets for processing fully documented applications for
these products are:
·
Grant
for Investigating an Innovative Idea, 10 days;
·
Grant
for Research and Development, 30 days;
·
Knowledge
Transfer Partnerships, 30 days; and
·
Small
Firms Loan Guarantee, 1 month for guarantees on approved loans up to
£30,000 and 5 days for guarantees on loans between £30,000 and
£250,000.
The
remaining products, to be launched in 2004, are under development.
Targets for processing applications are under consideration
as part of the product development process.
To
read more about the improvements to business support click
here
|
| 5.31 |
|
The
Small Business Service to establish the Business Link contact centre
and website as the key access channel to a wide range of information
and advice for small business and start-ups. |
April
2001 |
Achieved
Business Link
Contact Centre established (0845 600 9 006)
The National
Business Link website (www.businesslink.org)
is now live.
|
Contact:
John Gibbons
Tel: 020 7215
5630
Fax: 020 7215
2773
E-mail: john.gibbons@sbs.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 5.32 |
|
Set
up cross-functional Innovation and Growth Teams (IGTs) in DTI with
broad membership drawn from Government and the private sector. Initial
teams will focus on automotive and computer software digital content
sectors. |
May
2001 |
Achieved
Automotive IGT
established April 2001.
Computer software
services and digital content IGT in process of being established.
Chemicals IGT
being scoped with industry, to be established in autumn 2001.
Environmental
goods and services IGT, in early stages of preparation for October
2001 start.
|
Contact:
Alistair Keddie
Tel: 020 7215
5815
Fax: 020 7215
1504
E-mail: alistair.keddie@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
E. Global ambition
| WP
Ref: |
Key
Commitments |
Actions |
Target
Dates |
Progress
to Date |
Contacts |
| 6.11 |
E1.
Attract business talent to the UK |
Establish
Working Group to prepare enterprise scholarship scheme. |
May
2001 |
Achieved
A Working Group
has been established although it will not meet in toto until 19
October due to delays in recruitment of the scheme manager and development
of a comprehensive business plan. Other focus groups, drawn from
Working Group membership, will meet during August/September to assist
in the drafting of the plan and scheme implementation process. Potential
scheme contractors have been identified with a view to tendering
for the work as soon as possible.
|
Contact:
Mike Cairns
Tel: 020 7215
4725
Fax: 020 7215
4221
E-mail: mailto:michael.cairns@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 6.13 |
|
Launch
a new scheme to attract expatriate British entrepreneurs back to the
UK to set up companies |
July
2001 |
Achieved
Manager for
pilot project appointed July 2001 and development of scheme launched.
|
Contact: Steve O'Leary
Tel: 020 7215 2509
Fax: 020 7215 5651
E-mail: steve.o'leary@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| Produce
marketing materials to sell refocused SMART scheme. |
Target date rescheduled from
July 2001 to Jan 2002 |
Achieved
Brochure published in February 2003.
The SMART scheme has now been renamed the R&D Grants scheme.
|
| 6.17 |
E2.
Promote international partnerships |
Develop
initial proposals for a global partnership programme to help businesses
build links with international partners at home and abroad |
July
2001 |
Achieved
Pilot
scheme in North America underway since July 01. Received 32 cases.
Resulted in formation of one joint venture plus significant
discussion between overseas and UK tech companies in many others.
Plan to roll-out service across Invest UK network by April 03. Work
also underway in TPUK to promote partnerships.
|
Contact:
Ashley Rosengarten
Tel:
020 7215 2507
Fax:
020 7215 0482
E-mail:
ashley.rosengarten@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 6.19 |
|
Develop
programme of inward and outward missions to promote partnerships with
leading overseas sources of technology. |
July
2001 |
Achieved
First strategic
Missions, in nanotechnology, visited Germany & the USA in March
2001. Lord Sainsbury spoke at feedback event in June. Further missions
planned for the West Coast of USA and Far East in late 2001/early
2002.
Invest UK, 17
Faraday Partnerships and Innovation and Growth teams are working
closely to develop a full series of strategic missions that will
begin in Autumn 2001 and continue as part of ongoing monitoring
of global technology developments
|
Contact:
Allan Mayo
Tel: 020 7215
1110
Fax: 020 7215
3601
E-mail: allan.mayo@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| Enhance
the ITS on line capability (globalwatchonline.com) to facilitate international
technology partnerships |
July
2001 |
Ongoing
Invest UK Purchased
and pre-piloted Autonomy software. Demonstrated it to FCO attaches
and to group of IUK staff. Moving to full pilot stage involving
200 companies and a range of partners including DTI, OST, FCO, BTI
and Faraday Partnerships. IUK expect enough feedback from firms
and partners for full launch by November 2001. Site was enhanced
by end of July 2001.
|
| 6.20 |
|
Devote
new resources to strengthen investment in the UK from existing and
emerging high tech markets.
.
|
April
2001 |
Achieved
New INUK investment officers took up their posts in France, Germany
and Switzerland at start of October. New INUK investment officer
taking up post in Italy at beginning of December.
Plans to expand further the INUK overseas network with new resources
in Europe, India and China
|
Contact: Steve O'Leary
Tel: 020 7215 2509
Fax: 020 7215 5651
E-mail: steve.o'leary@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| Benchmark
activity of key competitor countries in investor development |
May
2001 |
Achieved
Benchmarking
report delivered and disseminated to Regional Partners. Workshop
to be held by September to discuss follow up actions.
|
| Develop
national initiatives to fill any skills gaps |
Sept
2002 |
Ongoing
BTI have fed into initiatives developed by DTI Skills and
Education Team and continue to do so as part of an ongoing process.
|
| 6.21 |
|
Roll
out a national simplified programme to help new exporters. |
Autumn
2001 |
Achieved
The new 'Passport'
programme will be launched by Baroness Symons on 16 November.
|
Contact
Steve Loach
Tel: 020 7215
8412
Fax: 020 7215
2452
E-mail: steve.loach@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 6.29 |
E3.
Promote a better business environment in Europe |
Seek
agreement at Stockholm European Council to Commission undertaking
a study to quantify the benefits of economic reform in Europe in consultation
with our EU partners |
March
2001 |
Overtaken
by HM Treasury White Paper on European Economic Reform, published
February 2002. |
Contact:
David Wilson
Tel: 020 7215
4718
Fax: 020 7215
4720
E-mail: david.wilson@dti.gsi.gov.uk
|
| 6.30 |
|
Seek
agreement at Stockholm Council for Commission to draft biotech action
plan for end of year and which should include benchmarking study |
March
2001 |
Achieved
Commission tasked
to produce Biotech Action Plan for end of year. UK working with
other Member States on ideas to influence Action Plan
|
Tel:
020 7215 5000 |
|
|
