LOCAL PARTNERSHIP FOR ECONOMIC-DEVELOPMENT - BUSINESS LINKS AND THE RESTRUCTURING OF SME SUPPORT NETWORKS IN THE UNITED-KINGDOM

A key feature of British enterprise development policies is the launch in 1992 of a network of business link partnerships to rationalize the local provision of business support services for small- and medium-si zed enterprises (SMEs) across England. This article examines the ways in which business links are expected to add value to the existing infr astructure and evaluates the effectiveness of the initiative 3 years a fter its announcement. Despite very significant differences in operati ons, size of catchment area, and legal structures between business lin k partnerships, similar problems have emerged. The common set of poten tially damaging issues identified can be tackled locally by establishi ng collaborative-competitive partnerships and by increasing the role o f local authorities. Nationally, central government consistently and c ontinuously should use its leverage, resulting from its control over r esources, to support the objectives it has set for business links.