1. National Update Julie Bott 19 May 2009

2. Whats happened so far… The Solutions for Business (SfB) portfolio of 30 products announced by Lord Mandelson on 23 rd October 2008 Complete Portfolio ready for use from 31 st March 2009 Local Authority Demonstrator project completed April 2009

3. Councils/ Local Partnerships involved were Cornwall, Croydon, Leicestershire, Newham, Nottingham, Tees Valley Conclusion: There are no significant barriers to implementing Solution for Business at a local level Local Authority Demonstrator project

4. Lessons learnt include: Building relationships and trust takes time and effort Role for Government Offices Tools facilitate better relationships Local Authority Demonstrator project

5. Next Steps: Focussing on operation of the portfolio across England Transitioning previous schemes to the new products March 2010 deadline for all publicly funded business support delivered through the Solutions for Business portfolio

6. Ensuring Government initiatives (e.g. Real Help and New Industry, New Jobs) align with Solutions for Business Ensuring the benefits of Solutions for Business are realised: For businesses For regions and local areas For Government Next Steps:

7. Julie Bott julie.bott@berr.gsi.gov.uk Tel: 020 7215 1656 julie.bott@berr.gsi.gov.uk