Business Support Service

What is the service?

The government’s Business Support Service for England offers advice and guidance to new and existing businesses. It has information on national and local schemes, grants and loans to help businesses start and grow.

What does UMi do?

We provide a team of 30 specialist advisers to give a personalised service to businesses in need of support and advice. Customers engage with the Service team by phone, e-mail, webchat and social media. The Service is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Customers with more complex needs can have a telephone appointment to get in-depth advice.

What is the result?

The Business Support Service now provides support services across England across a multitude of channels, dealing with over 33,000 enquiries a year. Of those enquires, on average 98% of all contacts are satisfied or very satisfied with the service. The impact in terms of Gross Value Added was last estimated to be £31 million. With an estimated average cost saving per user of £32 or approximately £1 million across all businesses engaged with the core service.