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Paul Williamson from Deloitte »I received a questionnaire from Business Link today. Basically it wanted to know whether my business was still alive and kicking and whether the support they gave me had helped in any way.
The 12 Month Survival Questionnaire, to give it it's full title was a little despressing to say they least. The second question asked abruptly: 'Are you still trading?' and then expectantly 'If no, when did you cease trading?' A small box was provided for the date of your businesses untimely demise.
You would think then that I took some pleasure in circling the Y on this particular question but instead I found it put me in a reflective mood. I found myself reminiscing on a meeting myself and my business partner had over two years ago with a business advisor. We were full of ideas and energy and enthusiasm. They were full of tax and business plans and bank accounts.
The 12 months presumably refers to a visit to Entrust (our closest Business Link is in Sunderland I think) where we were given funding for business cards and leaflets. 1000 of each and very much appreciated they were too, but really I cannot imagine they facillitated our Businesses survival.
I would be very interested to know how many of these questionnaires were sent out to small business across the North-East. Of those how many received useful advice or support. What types of businesses are benefitting from the services Business Link offers and which aren't.
For our business, practical support in specific areas would be of most use to us, rather than the generic 'business plan, tax forms, VAT' etc. I could tell a business advisor exactly what could benefit my business. In fairness the form does ask whether I would like to speak to a Business Advisor and I in turn have ticked yes. Lets see what comes of that.
I can only wonder how many businesses have failed in the last twelve months. And I can't help but think that those that have failed would never bother to send their questionnaire back. Why would you devote time to filling out a questionnaire that cements your failure? Perhaps that's what they think up at Business Link, if the form doesn't come back then you can safely assume the business is no longer trading.
Where's that pre-paid envelope?
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