Small firms might it easier to gain access to government-funded support in future as the number of schemes is streamlined.

The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform has announced that Martin Temple, chair of manufacturers' organisation EEF, will head up the Transition Management Board for the Business Support Simplification Programme (BSSP).

The BSSP has been set up to decrease the number of government-funded programmes from 3000 to less than 100.

It is hoped that by doing so, the government will be able to increase the impact of business funding while maintaining resource levels.

Business Minister Shriti Vadera said: "This is an important appointment to ensure delivery of our commitment to simplify and ease the access of our support for growing businesses.

"I am confident Martin's long experience and perspective from businesses using business support will be invaluable."

In other news, the government has announced a consultation process aimed at examining ways in which universities and employers can work together to improve staff training.

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