Supplementary memorandum from the Federation
of Small Businesses—East Midlands (EM 36)
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 The following paragraphs are presented as
supplementary evidence to the evidence that the FSB East Midlands
has already provided. As requested we have referenced the question
that was asked in the Oral Evidence Session we attended on 22
May 2009.
2. EMDA'S
COLLECTION AND
USE OF
DATA (Q39)
2.1 The FSB appreciates that the East Midlands
is a large and diverse region and that the data and statistics
that emda has to gather and interpret is immense. emda
has a very broad remit and it is obliged to collect data on a
broad range of topics such as the labour market, land use, capital
investment, environmental changes and many more. However, whilst
the FSB understands the enormity of this task, we feel that emda
should utilise the expertise and knowledge of its partners more
on data collection and analysis.
2.2 The FSB and other business support organisations
across the East Midlands undertake surveys and research with our
members on a quarterly basis. The data we are collecting is therefore
current and reliable and emda has always been appreciative
of the data we have provided. Similarly, there are a range of
other social, economic and environmental bodies in the East Midlands
who also gather and analyse data within their own sectors on a
regular basis.
2.3 Despite the raft of up-to-date statistics
that already exists amongst partners in the East Midlands however,
emda has spent considerable time, effort and resource on
undertaking large and lengthy research projects to gather evidence
and data. This has meant that data has been unnecessarily duplicated
at additional expense, and by the time the research projects have
concluded the data gathered is out-of-date and its reliability
and usefulness has diminished. The economic recession has demonstrated
the importance of speedy responses to assist and support businesses
and communities. It is fundamental that the right strategies are
implemented at the right time to cope with economic shocks, and
it is therefore crucial that the data used to inform any strategy
is current and accurate. By relying on outdated statistics which
are between 18 months and five years old, emda has been
"on the back foot". The fact that emda managed
to implement the "Survive and Thrive" events fairly
swiftly is commendable. However, had emda utilised the
up-to-date statistics of its partners, it could have begun to
plan its response when businesses in the East Midlands began to
both consistently report a decline in business confidence and
an increase in trade difficulties 18 months ago.
3. EMDAS CONTINUANCE
(Q51)
3.1 The FSB has always had a strong and
positive relationship with emda, and we will continue to
support emda in its future activities. We are however concerned
that national Government policy under the Sub-national Review
may result in a weakening of the RDAs relationships with businesses.
Businesses are at the very heart of the economy and whilst we
welcome emdas assurance that they will continue to engage
with businesses, we strongly believe that the basis of this engagement
should be a statutory responsibility.
3.2 The FSB agrees that there is greater benefit
for businesses if economic development activities are delivered
at a local level, as this is the level that can respond most appropriately
to the needs of local businesses. However, the FSB also believes
that it is right that there is an organisation that performs a
strategic overseeing role of economic development in the region.
The strategy must drive delivery but delivery must also inform
the strategy, and it is less confusing if these functions are
undertaken by separate bodies.
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