21.02.19
Holyrood committee airs concerns over ‘lack of transparency, accountability, and alignment’ of Business Gateway
A committee of MSPs has expressed concerns about the “lack of transparency, accountability, and alignment” of a council-run business support service delivering advice to companies around the country.
The Economy, Energy, and Fair Work Committee aired its doubts about Business Gateway in an announcement yesterday, and reflected on a recent inquiry into the local government service for small and medium-sized businesses.
The committee noted particular concerns about the lack of accountability for the remit and performance of Business Gateway, and its position within Scotland’s wider business support landscape.
As part of the inquiry, the committee looked at business practice support services elsewhere and was impressed by the services in Ireland, which provided a mix of tailored local delivery and national strategic direction.
In addition to the committee asking the Scottish Government to review the Irish model and take inspiration from it, the group of MSPs argued it was “unacceptable” that there was limited transparency around the Business Gateway budgets and performance – especially considering local authorities set their own Business Gateway targets.
Gordon Lindhurst, convener of the committee, said: “There is a lack of alignment, transparency and accountability in Business Gateway, and we found it unacceptable that local authorities do not consistently record and publish targets or financial information.
“It was essential for the committee to hear directly from businesses about their experiences with business support. There is much to be commended, but opportunities have been missed to align local and national economic priorities and to make it easier for businesses to be able to access services.”
The committee also recommended that there needs to be a clearly defined role and remit for Business Gateway, and its gateway spends should be published by each local authority in an annual report.
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