We'd cut Business Link website costs from £35m to zero, entrepreneurs tell government

The founders of an online start-up have said if they were put in charge of the Business Link website they would remove all costs by turning it into a social community. 

Following figures released last year revealing that BusinessLink.gov.uk, the website for the government's flagship business support service, costs £35m a year to run, the founders of group buying company Huddlebuy said their idea could mean that the site costs the government nothing to maintain.

Taking part in the Innovation Launch Pad, an initiative allowing SMEs to suggest products and services to deliver better value for money for government, co-founder Saurav Chopra said: "We envision Business Link to be transformed into an online small business community run by the community and for the community, where the community benefits from its collective wisdom and buying power."

Describing the redesigned service as "powered by the people", Chopra, whose company is backed by the founders and investors behind LoveFilm and Zoopla, added that entrepreneurs would share their knowledge for the benefit of others in the community. The user generated advice would be supplemented by editorial content from experts in areas such as tax, law and marketing with users given the ability to rate, recommend and subscribe to writers that are most helpful to them.

"By transforming Business Link into an online small business community, we also create the largest small business buying group in the UK, allowing the community to buy quality goods and services at big company pricing," Chopra commented. "Suppliers also benefit as they are able to target small businesses in a much more cost-effective way."   

Huddlebuy said it was "formally asking Her Majesty's government to be given the rights to operate and manage Business Link" adding it would charge nothing "for the honour of doing so".

Earlier this year the government announced that the regional offices of Business Link will close by November. The service will be replaced by an enhanced national website, a call centre and a network of business mentors. 

What's your reaction to Huddlebuy's idea? Would it work? Add your thoughts by posting a comment below. You need to be registered and logged in to comment. If you're not a member, register for free here.