MPs scrutinise Business Links

MPs are to investigate the Business Link network to address the “unanswered questions” about the service’s start-up and funding.

Requests for evidence have been sent out this week by the House of Commons trade and industry committee, which is launching a new inquiry into the operation of Business Links.

The inquiry has been instigated by the all-party committee with a view to “seeing how effective the initiative has been and where it can be improved”, according to Labour MP and committee chairman Martin O’Neill.

A spokeswoman for the Labour MP says that last month’s House of Commons debate and recent press coverage on the Business Links could have played a part in the committee’s decision. “There may have been a feeling that there were too many unanswered questions,” she says.

The Design Council, the Department of Trade and Industry and other bodies associated with the Business Links and small- and medium-sized businesses are being canvassed.

The Design Business Association and the Chartered Society of Designers are also expected to submit evidence.

“We welcome the inquiry and will be making a response,” says Design Council design director Sean Blair.

He declines to reveal what that response will be.

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