Companies & the DTI?

[dick dastardly]

I've been speaking with some colleagues and we had the idea of getting more involved with the DTI as one of the consultancy firms they pay to assist businesses, but don't have a clue how to go about it.

Does anyone here know hwo they select the companies brought in to help the SME's?

[dilbert]

I should think it pays to know Lord Sainsbury.

Given the situation that they're currently facing in government circles, I should think it's quite difficult to get money out of them. On the other hand, it's true to say that I don't actually know definitively.

[steviebee]

I believe the correct route is via your local Business Link. They are part of the DTi anyway!

[dick dastardly]

Well, dealing with this lot is already starting to look like a bad idea. Just trying to find out who to speak to regarding the issue has had me transferred to two wrong departments and then to an 'expert' who didn't even know about the latest initiative published on his section of the website!

Local Business Link couldn't help either, saying they just give enquirers a list of all local companies and let them choose.

[Eric Mc]

Do you honestly think that there would be anyone really helpful working for a government agency?

[dick dastardly]

I suppose not. Time to delegate this one methinks

[steviebee]

Just checked your profile (to see where you're based) and noticed you're in the same line as me!

We've been done a similar route and established that it would be more effective to stand in Victoria Road with a banner saying "Buy Marketing Advice from us!"

If you manage - more power to you!

[Simpo Two]

If they were any good at business they wouldn't be working at the DTI would they!

A pretty useless waste of taxpayers money IMO, and the same goes for Business Link.