The current provision of small business support in the Scottish Enterprise area was recently reviewed on a joint basis by Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Executive. This initiative combines the objectives of the Scottish Executive's economic development, social inclusion and equality agenda. The Scottish Executive will continue to work with the Enterprise Network to refine and improve Scotland's business support framework. The review should be completed within the next few months, and possible improvements to supply side support measures will be considered in light of the report's conclusions. Improvements to the Small Business Gateway are already underway, and further consideration will be given to a number of new initiatives, including improved support for high growth businesses and a possible extension of business mentoring.
Improvements are also in hand in the Highlands and Islands.
The Highlands and Islands Network will shortly be introducing HIE Starts, a new European aided programme, which will offer information, advice and discretionary financial assistance to small business start-ups that have the potential to contribute to the local economy. In addition, HIE's Business Information Source is extending the reach of its services to provide a comprehensive business information service through a network of locally based Business Information Offices, one in each of the LEC offices. A national training standard for all business advisors in the Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Highlands Enterprise networks is currently being piloted. The target is to have all business advisors undertake the new training over the next 2 years. In addition, linkages are being established between the Small Business Gateway and the electronic advisory services being introduced by the Small Business Service.