The National Enterprise Network (NEN) celebrates the government’s announcement of the new Business Growth Service as a vital step toward empowering small businesses across the UK.
The service, announced by Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds to mark Small Business Saturday, aims to simplify and streamline business support through a locally delivered, UK-wide system.
Carol Daniels, Operations Director at the NEN, said: “The vision outlined for a national service with local delivery at its core resonates deeply with the work and values of National Enterprise Network and its Members, the majority of whom are ‘not for profit’ organisations. This ensures reinvestment into their operations to sustain and enhance the enterprise support they provide.
“For decades, we have played a pivotal role within communities, supporting successive generations of entrepreneurs and micro-businesses. The proposed approach aligns perfectly with what we have championed: accessible, trusted, and effective support embedded at the local level.
“This announcement builds meaningfully on the conversations we’ve already had with DBT, and it’s clear that the BGS initiative will provide a significant boost to the small business ecosystem.”
The NEN has been proactive in being part of the conversation and are hoping to play a part in shaping the future of business support by securing a key round table with Angelina Cannizzaro, Deputy Director, Small Business Growth Strategy, Analysis and International, Domestic and International Markets and Exports Group, from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), scheduled for 8 January from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm.
This session will bring together NEN members and DBT representatives to discuss challenges to SME productivity and explore how the business support landscape can be further improved. Spaces for this critical discussion will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring fair regional representation.
To reserve your place, please contact: Lucy.flannery@nationalenterprisenetwork.org
The Business Growth Service, set to launch in 2025, is a cornerstone of the government’s Small Business Strategy and aims to address longstanding challenges in the fragmented business support landscape. With only 26% of UK SMEs seeking external advice last year, the streamlined service promises to provide businesses with practical, accessible help.
Inspired by international best practices, the Business Growth Service will be co-developed with small businesses and local governments to ensure it meets the needs of SMEs while addressing key pain points, such as reducing the 33 hours of admin small business owners spend monthly.
The announcement also comes alongside other measures for small businesses, including the Fair Payment Code, reforms to business rates, and initiatives to boost exports and SME access to finance.