Twitter went into overdrive yesterday with the launch of the Government-endorsed Start Up Britain. As is often the case, the negative comments were many, with any backing coming with caveats. But, do we need to look at this as a Apple style launch? In other words, are we expecting the next 'version' to be bigger, better, with sparkling new features?
The first important point to mention is the distinction between Government-endorsed and Government-backed. Though it would be fair to say that for the purpose of interested parties this became a question of semantics depending on how favourable either made it look. After all, the Government-backed, BusinessLink organisation has been all but dropped as not fit for purpose. Certainly Prime Minister Cameron is happy to have his (best thoughful and yet ambitious look into the distance) used on the site. (though whether we see him or any of his cabinet move swiftly into that distance after the somewhat negative reaction remains to be seen).
As a backer of any attempt to increase the level of enterprise in this great country of ours I was firmly behind this idea when I first heard of it. Speaking in schools regularly I see the future Bransons, Bannatynes, Devey's sparkling with ideas and ambitions, but lacking the knowledge and mentors they need. Certainly, if this is what a 'Start Up Britain' delivered then that would be fantastic. Also not forgetting those older generations, many being forced for the first time to assess what it is they really want to achieve in life. If 'Start Up Britain' catered as much for them in the same aspects, I would be the first in line to help.
However, what I saw, though certainly positive was one fundamental flaw, and one almighty PR disaster - both linked to the same aspect.
Now, I and many of my peers had frustrations with Businesslink in that any advice was impartial, but when you really needed someone to give you a straight solution (contact, recommendation etc) it was like a stasi-operation. 'Here's a list of potential suppliers for that' was a stock reply with sly pen movements hovering over (obviously) favoured ones (though without acknowledging whether said advisor had a reason for this).
However, Start Up Britain has no such qualms, delivering recommended advisors each with a sparkly 'discount' book for new prey - sorry entrepreneurs starting off. This aspect of it worries me, particularly as this 'Start Up' vehicle is clearly pushing new entrepreneurs into the hands of big businesses. Where are the SME's, the businesses that would truly benefit from a raft of new 'leads' (that after all is what they will become at the moment).
To make matters worse, and this is a PR disaster of the highest proportions, many of the links, for example one of the 'marketing' suppliers sends leads off to a large US 'bidding' site designed so US-based freelances can bid the lowest price to produce logos etc. What were they thinking!! And this is just one example.
Two massive errors in my view, but both rectifiable with a little re-think and the re-iteration of the fact this is for Britain.
So I applaud the thoughts, I salute the hard work and dedication of those talented individuals who didn't just think this, they made it happen, and I thank them in advance for what 'Start Up Britain' may become.
But I really do hope one of them will be stood on a stage in a black polo neck presenting the updated version to national acclaim.
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