The Argyll and the Islands Local Economic Forum (LEF) hosted a seminar this week (Tuesday 23 April) aimed at improving business development services in the region. 

The Conference of Business Support Practitioners - chaired by Prof. P. Timms, owner of Flexible Technology - will give public agencies a broader knowledge of the type of assistance each different organisation can offer.  A series of presentations from agencies including Argyll and the Islands Enterprise (AIE), Princes Scottish Youth Business Trust, Scottish Natural Heritage and local authorities, will enable development officers to better advise clients on who best can help them with funding or advice.

AIE has taken the lead in organising today's event.  Speaking at the Corran Halls in Oban today, AIE deputy chief executive Murdina Macdonald said: "In order to make ourselves more efficient, public agencies and development organisations must improve communication and mutual understanding so that our clients do not feel like they are going round in circles. 

"A better knowledge of the various types of help available and who is offering the assistance is vital if we are to improve on how we deliver business development services."

The Argyll and the Islands LEF was up set in 2001 at the request of the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning. The LEF has been looking at business support and services to identify ways of eliminating duplication, confusion, overlap, competition and to identify any gaps in provision.  The organisation has produced an action plan to improve delivery and to reflect clients' perceptions.

Although the LEF found there was very little evidence of an overlap of services there is some confusion amongst clients as to the roles of the various service providers.  Today's conference is one of a range of actions being taken to address this.