The South East England Development Agency, SEEDA, announced on 07 January 2010 that it has appointed Serco to deliver Business Link services across South East England. The three year GBP80 million contract, starting April 2010, will target businesses throughout the region and deliver a comprehensive support service
The South East England Development Agency, SEEDA, announced on 07 January 2010 that it has appointed Serco to deliver Business Link services across South East England. The three year GBP80 million contract, starting April 2010, will target businesses throughout the region and deliver a comprehensive support service to help them become more productive and profitable. The appointment represents the first time that Business Link in the South East will be provided by a single organisation.
Business Link supported 155,000 businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs across the region in 2009 and is now tasked with increasing the quality and the quantity of its services. Benefits for individual businesses will include increased investment in frontline advice to reach a greater proportion of the region’s businesses than previously and more intensive one to one support.
Serco, based in Hampshire, was selected as the Preferred Bidder to deliver the Business Link service in the region following a comprehensive tender process in 2009. Its appointment will integrate of all existing Business Link operations across the South East including the specialist skills service. It is already working closely with the six existing providers to ensure a seamless transition and continuity of service for individual businesses.
