Written question asked by Chuka Umunna (Labour) on Thursday, 14 July 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 July 2011. It was answered by Mark Prisk (Conservative) on Thursday, 8 September 2011 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Business Links: Training

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what (a) training and (b) professional development has been provided to Business Link advisers; and how these have been accredited.

Answer: The nine regional Business Link advisory services in England have supported their Business Link advisers through formal training to gain accreditation against a National Occupational Standard (e.g. SFEDI Business Link Broker standard). In addition, where their role involves offering specialist advice (e.g. finance, innovation, skills), they are further supported to achieve relevant professional qualifications or accreditation of competence.

Secondary information