Advisor launches campaign to save Business Link

An advisor working for Business Link has started a petition calling on the government to reconsider the decision to close the service. 

The face-to-face elements of the business support network in England is due to close in November and be replaced with a call centre, improved website and mentoring scheme.

But Ken Horn, who works for Business Link in the Midlands, says the full service should remain in place and has launched an online petition to save it. 

"Millions of people have used Business Link and have benefited from the huge amount of expertise and knowledge it provides free of charge," Horn said. "I have personally encountered over 4,500 start up hopefuls who have expressed, through testimony and feedback, the enormous help Business Link has provided.

"Given the poor economic climate and depressed job market, there is an even greater need to encourage business enterprise.

"The government have elected to abolish the only, universally recognised, support service for people considering self employment. Yes, the offer can be improved and streamlined but the government must reconsider their decision and not axe this valuable service."

Do you agree? Should the decision to close Business Link be reversed?