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Business Gateway National Evaluation
What our client wanted
Given changing economic conditions, COSLA recognised that there was a requirement to consider, whether the current delivery model(s) employed by Business Gateway (BG) remain realistic and appropriate at both a national and local level. We were commissioned in November 2010 to evaluate the existing delivery model (covering all aspects of the service including the BG website, enquiry and fulfilment service, one to many and one to one advisor services and growth support) and assist the Business Gateway Operational Network in making recommendations for the future development of the service.
In doing so the study aimed to assess:
- The effectiveness of support provided by Business Gateway – in terms of the ability of the current delivery model to address market failure and support government policy.
- The cost effectiveness of the service – overall cost/benefit analysis of the service was to be undertaken, considering the value for money delivered by the current model
What we did
The team employed a multi-stage process to undertaking this study in order to capture findings from a wide range of sources. A detailed desk based review of BG Network monitoring data was initially completed in order to gauge quantifiable performance and this was coupled with an in depth literature review to understand the changing policy landscape BG has been delivered against and the economic conditions faced.
This was followed by an extensive fieldwork programme: we consulted 51 strategic and delivery level stakeholders face-to-face and by telephone; helped facilitate an event and workshops with 70 delegates; and surveyed a further 20 wider stakeholders online. Importantly, 1,600 customers of BG responded to a survey online and by telephone, providing their views on their experiences and the effects of the Gateway on their business performance. The analysis covered all aspects of the BG, whether one-to-one support from advisors, lighter touch involvement through one to many events or as a result of accessing online tools.
What difference we made
The report was a crucial review on BG, four years in to a 5 year contract since the transfer to Local Authorities from Scottish Enterprise. The report concluded that the Business Gateway is fit for purpose and that the transfer has been achieved relatively smoothly. The review has been accepted by the Scottish Government and the basic premise of the model is being retained i.e. one where there are 12 lowland lead Local Authority areas to strike the balance between a nationally consistent brand and local flexibility. Whilst the transition to Local Authorities has been effected, and the economic value of the service has been demonstrated, the time is right to move from a focus on delivering activity to one which has a greater focus on maximising impact. The report made 29 recommendations which were subsequently debated and are being taken forward by the Business Scotland Gateway Board as appropriate.
What our client said
COSLA Press Release: COSLA Press Release - 29th June 2011
Enterprise Minister Fergus Ewing said: "The Scottish Government is committed to maintaining the highest quality of business support in Scotland with a focus on helping companies reach their potential and break into growth markets. This report also provides a valuable contribution to the on-going work to develop arrangements for the future delivery of the Business Gateway service."