New partnership improves support

3:28am Saturday 17th May 2008

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AN innovative new partnership with the Institute of Directors in the West Midlands will ensure Worcestershire companies receive the best possible business support.

Business Link has tapped into the knowledge of the IoD to develop a "framework of excellence" for all of its 140 advisers, which will measure personal competencies, identify sector specialists and determine potential development opportunities.

The assessment process is geared towards helping the organisation build upon a hugely successful first year that has seen it meet all of its stringent targets and should pave the way for a more targetted approach to delivering expertise and knowledge.

"Just like any company, we need to continually develop our team and the way that we provide business support," explained Lorraine Holmes, chief executive of Business Link in the West Midlands.

"Our advisers play an integral role in the relationship we have with our customers as they are often the face of our organisation and we are justifiably proud of their knowledge, skills set and understanding.

"This new process will act as an impartial quality mark, whilst also pinpointing the breadth of our knowledge and sector experience. This will give us the information we need to offer professional development opportunities or recruit additional advisers, who may bring new expertise to the table."

Project director Stephen Kingswell, explained: "The public and private sector working more closely together is something we welcome and Business Link's decision to quality approve all of its advisers shows its commitment to Worcestershire companies."