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Huge shake-up at Scottish Enterprise unveiled
A major overhaul of the way enterprise agencies operate across Scotland was today announced by finance secretary John Swinney.
He told the Scottish Parliament that the country's 21 local enterprise companies are to be ditched and replaced instead with six regional operations.
And responsibility for business support through Business Gateways, as well as local regeneration, will now be transferred to local councils.
Ministers will also now sit on a strategic forum with representatives from Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and VisitScotland to provide clear Government leadership and ensure collaborative working.
He also confirmed an announcement earlier today from education secretary Fiona Hyslop that most skills and training are to be transferred from enterprise networks to a new single skills body.
Mr Swinney told MSPs today: "The government has pursued two objectives in designing the structures to implement our economic strategy.
"Firstly, we have been determined to establish a clear focus within the enterprise agencies on fulfilling what we consider to be their core purpose of assisting enterprise development in Scotland.
"Secondly, we have been determined to create greater cohesion in the provision of local economic and enterprise development services in Scotland.
"Our plans will enable Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to focus on what they are good at and also enable Scotland's local authorities - important partners in our efforts to build Scottish success - to do more to support businesses in their area."
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Posted by: Albert, Glasgow on 3:52pm Wed 26 Sep 07
At last! Sweep out all the dead wood, the chancers, the placemen, the folk who couldn't run a bath.
At last! Sweep out all the dead wood, the chancers, the placemen, the folk who couldn't run a bath.
Posted by: Scamp on 3:58pm Wed 26 Sep 07
Excellent news........ Hopefully Perry will throw in the towel. Having beancounters running Enterprise Agencies is a recipe for stagnation and bureaucracy.
Excellent news........ Hopefully Perry will throw in the towel. Having beancounters running Enterprise Agencies is a recipe for stagnation and bureaucracy.
Posted by: Veitchy, Tv Room on 4:06pm Wed 26 Sep 07
Having read the comments on the previous article "Scottish Enterprise to learn its fate" Monday 24th, I hope that the doubters amongst the posters can now see that [bold]this Goverment will do[/bold] [bold]whatever it takes[/bold] to get Scotland moving in the right direction, taking hard decisions where necessary. This is not a Government that will shy away from the many tasks, that lie ahead, to sort out the mess that has been created by the previous executives.
Having read the comments on the previous article "Scottish Enterprise to learn its fate" Monday 24th, I hope that the doubters amongst the posters can now see that
this Goverment will do whatever it takes to get Scotland moving in the right direction, taking hard decisions where necessary. This is not a Government that will shy away from the many tasks, that lie ahead, to sort out the mess that has been created by the previous executives.
Posted by: Anon, Glasgow on 4:12pm Wed 26 Sep 07
It's a shame this government didn't do [bold]'whatever it takes'[/bold] to check the facts of John Swinny's speech. There are (were) [bold]12[/bold] Local Enterprise Companies, not [bold]21[/bold]
It's a shame this government didn't do
'whatever it takes' to check the facts of John Swinny's speech. There are (were)
12 Local Enterprise Companies, not
21 Posted by: Brian on 4:14pm Wed 26 Sep 07
Actually there are 21 - including all the Highland LECs (a surprising number u might think)
Actually there are 21 - including all the Highland LECs (a surprising number u might think)
Posted by: neil robertson, dundee on 4:14pm Wed 26 Sep 07
This sounds very interesting ....... it reinserts the regional dimension that was lost when the Regional Councils were scrapped by the Tories in a fit of pique - just as Scottish Enterprise was starting;
it plays to the strengths of the local authorities on the business
start-up side ....... where they work closely with local Chambers and can also sort out sites and premises issues more effectively than SE; pulling skills together sounds like it will at last start to give this side of things an emphasis and strategic direction is has never had; and the idea of a strategic forum that ends the Great Glen divide in the operations between Scottish Enteprise (which only covers the central belt, west, north east and the borders) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise is long overdue, as is the prospect of a better set of strategic linkagest with Visit Scotland (a no-brainer as tourism is a key driver of the Scottish economy but one that Scottish Enterprise has traditionally underplayed leaving this to the tourism authorities).
Must now go and read the Swinney's statement in full as there will no doubt be devils in the detail ........ but first reaction is positive .....
This sounds very interesting ....... it reinserts the regional dimension that was lost when the Regional Councils were scrapped by the Tories in a fit of pique - just as Scottish Enterprise was starting;
it plays to the strengths of the local authorities on the business
start-up side ....... where they work closely with local Chambers and can also sort out sites and premises issues more effectively than SE; pulling skills together sounds like it will at last start to give this side of things an emphasis and strategic direction is has never had; and the idea of a strategic forum that ends the Great Glen divide in the operations between Scottish Enteprise (which only covers the central belt, west, north east and the borders) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise is long overdue, as is the prospect of a better set of strategic linkagest with Visit Scotland (a no-brainer as tourism is a key driver of the Scottish economy but one that Scottish Enterprise has traditionally underplayed leaving this to the tourism authorities).
Must now go and read the Swinney's statement in full as there will no doubt be devils in the detail ........ but first reaction is positive .....
Posted by: sam, Glasgow on 4:26pm Wed 26 Sep 07
A Training Agency and Scottish Development Agency; hmmmmm hasn't that been done before?
A Training Agency and Scottish Development Agency; hmmmmm hasn't that been done before?
Posted by: jonny bond, glasgow on 4:29pm Wed 26 Sep 07
Scottish Enterprise you're having a laugh there is far more enterprise in scotland than exists within the meagre boundaries set out by these goverment appointed timewasters. They believe that even a well planned failure is better than a sucessful company that works on the hoof. If you cant be bothered spending months getting a fully documented plan together you can forget about funding. Also look at the clowns these folk are meeting Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and VisitScotland. Visit Scotland is the biggest scam in brittain us taxpayers paying the company thousands of pounds to do a job that other sites do for free make money out of hotels and accommodation. I say we demand all the money ever paid to these clowns back with interest added at 6%. That would get us a few million back to reinvest in scottish enterprises.
Scottish Enterprise you're having a laugh there is far more enterprise in scotland than exists within the meagre boundaries set out by these goverment appointed timewasters. They believe that even a well planned failure is better than a sucessful company that works on the hoof. If you cant be bothered spending months getting a fully documented plan together you can forget about funding. Also look at the clowns these folk are meeting Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and VisitScotland. Visit Scotland is the biggest scam in brittain us taxpayers paying the company thousands of pounds to do a job that other sites do for free make money out of hotels and accommodation. I say we demand all the money ever paid to these clowns back with interest added at 6%. That would get us a few million back to reinvest in scottish enterprises.
Posted by: 039-738, Glasgow on 4:39pm Wed 26 Sep 07
Don't uncork the champagne just yet. You can get rid of the LECs but you can't get rid of the old boys who run them, and those same individuals will simply find some other way to give our economy two fingers up.
Don't uncork the champagne just yet. You can get rid of the LECs but you can't get rid of the old boys who run them, and those same individuals will simply find some other way to give our economy two fingers up.
Posted by: sam, Glasgow on 4:39pm Wed 26 Sep 07
[quote][bold]jonny bond[/bold] wrote:
Scottish Enterprise you\'re having a laugh there is far more enterprise in scotland than exists within the meagre boundaries set out by these goverment appointed timewasters. They believe that even a well planned failure is better than a sucessful company that works on the hoof. If you cant be bothered spending months getting a fully documented plan together you can forget about funding. Also look at the clowns these folk are meeting Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and VisitScotland. Visit Scotland is the biggest scam in brittain us taxpayers paying the company thousands of pounds to do a job that other sites do for free make money out of hotels and accommodation. I say we demand all the money ever paid to these clowns back with interest added at 6%. That would get us a few million back to reinvest in scottish enterprises.[/quote] Did yer business plan not stack up Jonny or couldn't you be bothered properly planning your business and were told to come back when you had grown up
jonny bond wrote:
Scottish Enterprise you\'re having a laugh there is far more enterprise in scotland than exists within the meagre boundaries set out by these goverment appointed timewasters. They believe that even a well planned failure is better than a sucessful company that works on the hoof. If you cant be bothered spending months getting a fully documented plan together you can forget about funding. Also look at the clowns these folk are meeting Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and VisitScotland. Visit Scotland is the biggest scam in brittain us taxpayers paying the company thousands of pounds to do a job that other sites do for free make money out of hotels and accommodation. I say we demand all the money ever paid to these clowns back with interest added at 6%. That would get us a few million back to reinvest in scottish enterprises.
Did yer business plan not stack up Jonny or couldn't you be bothered properly planning your business and were told to come back when you had grown up
Posted by: Scamp on 5:00pm Wed 26 Sep 07
039-738 -
Yes I agree... That's my main concern. There needs to be a clear out as well as a reorganisation.
039-738 -
Yes I agree... That's my main concern. There needs to be a clear out as well as a reorganisation.
Posted by: Speaking of having a laugh..., glasgow on 5:03pm Wed 26 Sep 07
Samcafe, here's a little business lesson for you, as basic business principles are clearly beyond the comprehension of anyone who'd defend Scottish Enterprise.
If you're seeking to defend an organisation, it's best not to do it by mocking those who have legitimate concerns about it. If they do, seek and retort the concerns with statistics, facts, and reassurance. You do not paint a good picture of your cause or your organisation by taunting and belittling a dissatisfied customer.
Samcafe, here's a little business lesson for you, as basic business principles are clearly beyond the comprehension of anyone who'd defend Scottish Enterprise.
If you're seeking to defend an organisation, it's best not to do it by mocking those who have legitimate concerns about it. If they do, seek and retort the concerns with statistics, facts, and reassurance. You do not paint a good picture of your cause or your organisation by taunting and belittling a dissatisfied customer.
Posted by: juan, edimbra.... on 5:08pm Wed 26 Sep 07
A luaghable organisition who are top heavy with academics and not real business people. Only interested in large projects that end up getting mothballed. Whereas a small business asking for help gets constantly denied or pumped to the boil in a bag consultants they have reems of in SB Gateway .
A cabal of fairly inept persons, and any change would only be in name. The decision makers that for years have been making severely useless ones will probably stay!
So more of the same grandious schemes and even less bootstrap companies getting help "because they arent glamorous" or "only a few jobs" .
At least the few jobs would not be supported by thousands in subsidies and tax breaks and any money to them would probably be used efficiently. As most small businesses trying to make it do. E.g. using everything in the cupboard and wearing many hats to acheive it.
[bold]Scottish Enterprise is an Oxymoron in name.[/bold]
A luaghable organisition who are top heavy with academics and not real business people. Only interested in large projects that end up getting mothballed. Whereas a small business asking for help gets constantly denied or pumped to the boil in a bag consultants they have reems of in SB Gateway .
A cabal of fairly inept persons, and any change would only be in name. The decision makers that for years have been making severely useless ones will probably stay!
So more of the same grandious schemes and even less bootstrap companies getting help "because they arent glamorous" or "only a few jobs" .
At least the few jobs would not be supported by thousands in subsidies and tax breaks and any money to them would probably be used efficiently. As most small businesses trying to make it do. E.g. using everything in the cupboard and wearing many hats to acheive it.
Scottish Enterprise is an Oxymoron in name. Posted by: juan, edimbra.... on 5:20pm Wed 26 Sep 07
[quote][bold]sam[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]jonny bond[/bold] wrote: Scottish Enterprise you\'re having a laugh there is far more enterprise in scotland than exists within the meagre boundaries set out by these goverment appointed timewasters. They believe that even a well planned failure is better than a sucessful company that works on the hoof. If you cant be bothered spending months getting a fully documented plan together you can forget about funding. Also look at the clowns these folk are meeting Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and VisitScotland. Visit Scotland is the biggest scam in brittain us taxpayers paying the company thousands of pounds to do a job that other sites do for free make money out of hotels and accommodation. I say we demand all the money ever paid to these clowns back with interest added at 6%. That would get us a few million back to reinvest in scottish enterprises.[/quote] Did yer business plan not stack up Jonny or couldn't you be bothered properly planning your business and were told to come back when you had grown up[/quote] Sam. I went to them in 1995 , about an upcoming and new way of working called the internet. I was poo poo'd and made to spend my entire interview being berated about 1 spelling mistake in an other wise flawless and acheivable plan. I even went to several others first who thought it was excellent.
This (mispelling)apparent
ly was cause enough to view my plan which regarded businesses requiring help getting onto the NET(as it wasnt called then!) and websites of various flavours.
The oracles their said it would never work. It was just a fad. And As I made a spelling mistake. Well deffinate failure. Nothing about the merits of the business! or taking into account dyselxia.
Lo and behold the NET took hold and they then backed every donkey with an idea called murray or fraser. Even rolling out several sites of their own , all since mothballed.
Vision or business is not their strongest suit! - vision regarding chip plants , at a time when all companies were moving to the far east and everyone was also switching to LCD monitors and TVS
[bold]
GREAT VISION![/bold]
Idea. Employ someone who made a sucess of their business with no money from outside. Then you may get value into the organisation. As these people know how too get the best from meagre resources.
sam wrote:
jonny bond wrote: Scottish Enterprise you\'re having a laugh there is far more enterprise in scotland than exists within the meagre boundaries set out by these goverment appointed timewasters. They believe that even a well planned failure is better than a sucessful company that works on the hoof. If you cant be bothered spending months getting a fully documented plan together you can forget about funding. Also look at the clowns these folk are meeting Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and VisitScotland. Visit Scotland is the biggest scam in brittain us taxpayers paying the company thousands of pounds to do a job that other sites do for free make money out of hotels and accommodation. I say we demand all the money ever paid to these clowns back with interest added at 6%. That would get us a few million back to reinvest in scottish enterprises.
Did yer business plan not stack up Jonny or couldn't you be bothered properly planning your business and were told to come back when you had grown up
Sam. I went to them in 1995 , about an upcoming and new way of working called the internet. I was poo poo'd and made to spend my entire interview being berated about 1 spelling mistake in an other wise flawless and acheivable plan. I even went to several others first who thought it was excellent.
This (mispelling)apparent
ly was cause enough to view my plan which regarded businesses requiring help getting onto the NET(as it wasnt called then!) and websites of various flavours.
The oracles their said it would never work. It was just a fad. And As I made a spelling mistake. Well deffinate failure. Nothing about the merits of the business! or taking into account dyselxia.
Lo and behold the NET took hold and they then backed every donkey with an idea called murray or fraser. Even rolling out several sites of their own , all since mothballed.
Vision or business is not their strongest suit! - vision regarding chip plants , at a time when all companies were moving to the far east and everyone was also switching to LCD monitors and TVS
GREAT VISION!
Idea. Employ someone who made a sucess of their business with no money from outside. Then you may get value into the organisation. As these people know how too get the best from meagre resources.
Posted by: Am Balach, Skye on 5:24pm Wed 26 Sep 07
Giving more power to the local authorities is a great idea. For many rural businesses the greatest inhibitor to expansion is a lack of land to build bigger premises or a lack of housing for new employees to stay in. Local authorities will now have to make sure that their structural and local plans actually deliver for businesses and will have to answer to ministers if they fail to meet their own targets.
Giving more power to the local authorities is a great idea. For many rural businesses the greatest inhibitor to expansion is a lack of land to build bigger premises or a lack of housing for new employees to stay in. Local authorities will now have to make sure that their structural and local plans actually deliver for businesses and will have to answer to ministers if they fail to meet their own targets.
Posted by: juan, edimbra... on 5:31pm Wed 26 Sep 07
Well said Johnybond. If you do not catalogue every thing.Spending months of time satisfying their organisational ideosynchrasisies. Your out on your own.
Whereas big companies can dedicate a member of staff to building the satisfactory "flannel file"
Meanwhile the good ideas goto the bottom of the pile for sake of headlines for mothbslled catastrophes.
[bold]As a business. And looking on their record and acheivements. They would have gone into liquidation many years ago.[/bold]
A laughable quango of the inept. Not all just the ones that acheive responsibility.
Why not ask some established leaders to lend a hand voluntarily to empowere scotland? Not the "so called experts they have", who appear to only live for large projects that they can fire all their grant into in a oner. As Johny said rather a well planned failure than a good business idea needing action and immediate attention.
If they had it their way. The chinese would copy your idea , have it into production by the time you had satisfied their stupid hoops they feel obliged to make you jump through. only the trully useless nonstarters can afford tread water with them.
Well said Johnybond. If you do not catalogue every thing.Spending months of time satisfying their organisational ideosynchrasisies. Your out on your own.
Whereas big companies can dedicate a member of staff to building the satisfactory "flannel file"
Meanwhile the good ideas goto the bottom of the pile for sake of headlines for mothbslled catastrophes.
As a business. And looking on their record and acheivements. They would have gone into liquidation many years ago.
A laughable quango of the inept. Not all just the ones that acheive responsibility.
Why not ask some established leaders to lend a hand voluntarily to empowere scotland? Not the "so called experts they have", who appear to only live for large projects that they can fire all their grant into in a oner. As Johny said rather a well planned failure than a good business idea needing action and immediate attention.
If they had it their way. The chinese would copy your idea , have it into production by the time you had satisfied their stupid hoops they feel obliged to make you jump through. only the trully useless nonstarters can afford tread water with them.
Posted by: Archie, Argyll on 5:52pm Wed 26 Sep 07
GLASGOW COUNCIL DESTROYED MY BUSINESS.
So how handing them responsibility for this will be an improvement in the LARGEST council area per head is beyond me, unless you scrap or replace the key personnel in GLASGOW COUNCIL as well.
Thats a fact folks, and without taking this long overdue action in sync with scrapping Scottish Enterprise then I am afraid the BLATANT (UNCHALLENGED BY THE LAW ENFORCERS) CORRUPTION WILL CONTINUE UNABATED.
GLASGOW COUNCIL DESTROYED MY BUSINESS.
So how handing them responsibility for this will be an improvement in the LARGEST council area per head is beyond me, unless you scrap or replace the key personnel in GLASGOW COUNCIL as well.
Thats a fact folks, and without taking this long overdue action in sync with scrapping Scottish Enterprise then I am afraid the BLATANT (UNCHALLENGED BY THE LAW ENFORCERS) CORRUPTION WILL CONTINUE UNABATED.
Posted by: Scamp on 6:48pm Wed 26 Sep 07
[italic]Scottish Enterprise chief executive Jack Perry said he aimed to have a plan for the new structure in place by the end of 2007.
"We have been presented with an excellent opportunity to re-energise our organisation, build on our strengths and we face the future with confidence," he said[/italic]
[bold]Why is he still there?[/bold]
Scottish Enterprise chief executive Jack Perry said he aimed to have a plan for the new structure in place by the end of 2007.
"We have been presented with an excellent opportunity to re-energise our organisation, build on our strengths and we face the future with confidence," he said
Why is he still there? Posted by: Colin B, Bearsden on 7:28pm Wed 26 Sep 07
HIE staff don't know about RSA Grants.This should have been handed back to Meridian Court.
Need to get some of the wasters out of head office and outs seing companies with deadlines for turning round applications.
HIE staff don't know about RSA Grants.This should have been handed back to Meridian Court.
Need to get some of the wasters out of head office and outs seing companies with deadlines for turning round applications.
Posted by: Pip, Scotland on 8:23pm Wed 26 Sep 07
Another quango created, an old one remains, people at the sharp end given the boot, deck chairs rearranged on the titanic yet again, same names will be in different frames- what an wasted opportunity! Instead of what a 21st century Scotland needs, we will endure another swing back of the pendulum. And the rhetoric of change is just smoke and mirrors.
Another quango created, an old one remains, people at the sharp end given the boot, deck chairs rearranged on the titanic yet again, same names will be in different frames- what an wasted opportunity! Instead of what a 21st century Scotland needs, we will endure another swing back of the pendulum. And the rhetoric of change is just smoke and mirrors.
Posted by: admin, glasgow on 8:25pm Wed 26 Sep 07
[quote][bold]Scamp[/bold] wrote:
[italic]Scottish Enterprise chief executive Jack Perry said he aimed to have a plan for the new structure in place by the end of 2007.
"We have been presented with an excellent opportunity to re-energise our organisation, build on our strengths and we face the future with confidence," he said[/italic]
[bold]Why is he still there?[/bold] [/quote] scamp - as an employee of SE, this is a question we ask ourselves on a daily basis, lets not forget lena wilson too. In here, we call him Teflon Jack - cos nothing sticks. Almost every member of staff here is hacked off & fedup - holding out for redundancies, as with most folks having 10+ years service, u dont wanna just walk away. We actually learn more about what's happening in here from the newspapers than management actually bothering to keep us informed.
Jack may be pleased about this '[italic]excellent opportunity to re-energise[/italic] etc' but in my opinion that's what he gets paid his bloody ridiculous salary for, he should have been doing this ages ago!!!!!
[bold]Jack - please leave the building[/bold]
Scamp wrote:
Scottish Enterprise chief executive Jack Perry said he aimed to have a plan for the new structure in place by the end of 2007.
"We have been presented with an excellent opportunity to re-energise our organisation, build on our strengths and we face the future with confidence," he said
Why is he still there?
scamp - as an employee of SE, this is a question we ask ourselves on a daily basis, lets not forget lena wilson too. In here, we call him Teflon Jack - cos nothing sticks. Almost every member of staff here is hacked off & fedup - holding out for redundancies, as with most folks having 10+ years service, u dont wanna just walk away. We actually learn more about what's happening in here from the newspapers than management actually bothering to keep us informed.
Jack may be pleased about this '
excellent opportunity to re-energise etc' but in my opinion that's what he gets paid his bloody ridiculous salary for, he should have been doing this ages ago!!!!!
Jack - please leave the building Posted by: Pip, Scotland on 8:25pm Wed 26 Sep 07
BTW "Scamp" - JP is reported to say that he is getting 80% of what he wanted!
BTW "Scamp" - JP is reported to say that he is getting 80% of what he wanted!
Posted by: Pip, Scotland on 8:29pm Wed 26 Sep 07
How many organisations decide their structure/mechanisms BEFORE they decide their strategy?
How many organisations decide their structure/mechanisms BEFORE they decide their strategy?
Posted by: Pip, Scotland on 8:51pm Wed 26 Sep 07
"Admin" - you are so right! That's what leaders are paid for.
Where is justice when leaders get rewarded so handsomely for non & poor performance? 2+ years of turmoil, CRM disasters, botched reorgs, and the list goes on...and on...
"Admin" - you are so right! That's what leaders are paid for.
Where is justice when leaders get rewarded so handsomely for non & poor performance? 2+ years of turmoil, CRM disasters, botched reorgs, and the list goes on...and on...
Posted by: Tearlach, sutherland on 8:55pm Wed 26 Sep 07
Colin B - Bearsden @7:28
Errr - "HIE staff don't know about RSA Grants" - HIE has never delivered RSA - that has always been done through Civil Servants based in Glasgow - Meridian Court to be exact. HIE delivers its own business services, quite different from RSA. Regional Selective Assistance is a central government function, not delivered - up to now - by either of the Enterprise Agencies.
So what is you point exactly?
Interesting to note that someone from Glasgow is commenting on Business Development issues in the Highlands and Islands - quite wrongly it would seem.
Colin B - Bearsden @7:28
Errr - "HIE staff don't know about RSA Grants" - HIE has never delivered RSA - that has always been done through Civil Servants based in Glasgow - Meridian Court to be exact. HIE delivers its own business services, quite different from RSA. Regional Selective Assistance is a central government function, not delivered - up to now - by either of the Enterprise Agencies.
So what is you point exactly?
Interesting to note that someone from Glasgow is commenting on Business Development issues in the Highlands and Islands - quite wrongly it would seem.
Posted by: Scamp on 8:57pm Wed 26 Sep 07
"Pip" - I think Perry is putting on a brave face. The only thing he seemed to want was to get rid of was the skills and training bit.
Having now read Swinney's statement in full it's noticeable that he didn't mention the ITIs as an example of something SE does well. This is because the ITIs are in a complete mess having completely changed their model from what it was originally to one where they've just become an intellectual property bank. The outcome is that hardly anyone wants to work with them and given the difficulty they're having in getting staff nobody wants to work for them either.
"admin" - you have my sympathy. I know others in SE who feel much the same way.
"Pip" - I think Perry is putting on a brave face. The only thing he seemed to want was to get rid of was the skills and training bit.
Having now read Swinney's statement in full it's noticeable that he didn't mention the ITIs as an example of something SE does well. This is because the ITIs are in a complete mess having completely changed their model from what it was originally to one where they've just become an intellectual property bank. The outcome is that hardly anyone wants to work with them and given the difficulty they're having in getting staff nobody wants to work for them either.
"admin" - you have my sympathy. I know others in SE who feel much the same way.
Posted by: Tearlach, sutherland on 9:04pm Wed 26 Sep 07
Pip @ 8:51
[quote]How many organisations decide their structure/mechanisms BEFORE they decide their strategy?[/quote]
In this case it is the SNP Goverernet that is deciding mechanisms before they give the agencies - SE, HIE and Visit Scotland - their new strategy, which is planned for a few months hence, so I understand.
A radical change of the Enterprise Networks, and Visit scotland would require legislation, which this Governemnt is obviously not that keen on. So they anounce a change, kill the LECs, and then give the new organistaions a strategy to deliver.
The key thing here is that Wendy Alexanders old Smart Successful Scotland is now dead and buried, and a new strategic economic/skills planning body - chaired by the Cabinet secretary John Swinney with Jim Mather - meeting four times a year is now overseeing SE, HIE and Visit Scotland, and the new Skills Agency.
That's the key change - not getting rid of a few LEC Boards
Pip @ 8:51
How many organisations decide their structure/mechanisms BEFORE they decide their strategy?
In this case it is the SNP Goverernet that is deciding mechanisms before they give the agencies - SE, HIE and Visit Scotland - their new strategy, which is planned for a few months hence, so I understand.
A radical change of the Enterprise Networks, and Visit scotland would require legislation, which this Governemnt is obviously not that keen on. So they anounce a change, kill the LECs, and then give the new organistaions a strategy to deliver.
The key thing here is that Wendy Alexanders old Smart Successful Scotland is now dead and buried, and a new strategic economic/skills planning body - chaired by the Cabinet secretary John Swinney with Jim Mather - meeting four times a year is now overseeing SE, HIE and Visit Scotland, and the new Skills Agency.
That's the key change - not getting rid of a few LEC Boards
Posted by: Pip, Scotland on 9:13pm Wed 26 Sep 07
Tearlach, sutherland, I disagree and agree. A radical change of SE & Visit Scotland requires no change in legislation. Check the Act. Agree the Gov't is creating the mechanism and then are likely to give strategy. But what does that do for democracy& engaging hearts and minds? And a group that meets 4 times per year - they'll never scratch the surface.
Tearlach, sutherland, I disagree and agree. A radical change of SE & Visit Scotland requires no change in legislation. Check the Act. Agree the Gov't is creating the mechanism and then are likely to give strategy. But what does that do for democracy& engaging hearts and minds? And a group that meets 4 times per year - they'll never scratch the surface.
Posted by: Pip, Scotland on 9:15pm Wed 26 Sep 07
Ahh Scamp - The sad truth is that he probably believes it!
Ahh Scamp - The sad truth is that he probably believes it!
Posted by: Pip, Scotland on 9:17pm Wed 26 Sep 07
[quote][bold]Anon[/bold] wrote:
It's a shame this government didn't do [bold]'whatever it takes'[/bold] to check the facts of John Swinny's speech. There are (were) [bold]12[/bold] Local Enterprise Companies, not [bold]21[/bold] [/quote] Anon - this was all part of the "smoke and mirrors".
Anon wrote:
It's a shame this government didn't do 'whatever it takes' to check the facts of John Swinny's speech. There are (were) 12 Local Enterprise Companies, not 21
Anon - this was all part of the "smoke and mirrors".
Posted by: Pip, Scotland on 9:24pm Wed 26 Sep 07
Anon - yes it is technically correct that there are 21 in Scotland as a whole but one would have assumed the larger division of SE and HIE. This clearly was a tactic to obfuscate the issue and make it seem that the change was more significant than it is. Sadly - and so far less than what might have been.
Anon - yes it is technically correct that there are 21 in Scotland as a whole but one would have assumed the larger division of SE and HIE. This clearly was a tactic to obfuscate the issue and make it seem that the change was more significant than it is. Sadly - and so far less than what might have been.
Posted by: Tearlach, sutherland on 9:37pm Wed 26 Sep 07
Pip @9:13 - A radical change would have required legislation.
A radical change could have included a new Innovation Agency, including the current (University)Funding Council to address the shameful record Scotland has in directing University Research programmes to meet the needs of Scotland, rather than that of the US or Japan. (And with that approach we would not need the ITI's, who were set up as an IP procurement agency and IP bank - check your facts, and do not believe what you read in the P&J).
A radical change would have been a new Rural Development Agency, extending the business and community approach of HIE, and adding some pretty serious land purchase powers, to meet the needs of rural Scotland, where it's Shetland, Angus, Tayside or the Borders.
That's change, not killing a level of governance. But the Government does not have the appropriate parliamentary majority, so this is what we have to live with.
Pip @9:13 - A radical change would have required legislation.
A radical change could have included a new Innovation Agency, including the current (University)Funding Council to address the shameful record Scotland has in directing University Research programmes to meet the needs of Scotland, rather than that of the US or Japan. (And with that approach we would not need the ITI's, who were set up as an IP procurement agency and IP bank - check your facts, and do not believe what you read in the P&J).
A radical change would have been a new Rural Development Agency, extending the business and community approach of HIE, and adding some pretty serious land purchase powers, to meet the needs of rural Scotland, where it's Shetland, Angus, Tayside or the Borders.
That's change, not killing a level of governance. But the Government does not have the appropriate parliamentary majority, so this is what we have to live with.
Posted by: Scamp on 9:52pm Wed 26 Sep 07
Tearlach 9:37..
Actually the ITIs were not originally set up as an IP bank or IP procurement agency. That's a very recent development. The IP bank model only came in a few months ago.
The problem that Scotland has in commercialising university research so that it meets the needs of Scotland is that finding the risk equity capital to do that here is extremely difficult. The Scottish financial institutions - despite their riches - are just not prepared to put their hands in their pockets to make it happen because they're not really interested.
Tearlach 9:37..
Actually the ITIs were not originally set up as an IP bank or IP procurement agency. That's a very recent development. The IP bank model only came in a few months ago.
The problem that Scotland has in commercialising university research so that it meets the needs of Scotland is that finding the risk equity capital to do that here is extremely difficult. The Scottish financial institutions - despite their riches - are just not prepared to put their hands in their pockets to make it happen because they're not really interested.
Posted by: Pip, Scotland on 10:09pm Wed 26 Sep 07
Despite the publcised successes of the Co-Investment Fund which is yet to demonstrate any ROI!
Despite the publcised successes of the Co-Investment Fund which is yet to demonstrate any ROI!
Posted by: Tearlach, sutherland on 10:12pm Wed 26 Sep 07
Scamp 9:52
Re ITI's and IP Bank - you are simply believing what you read in the Hootsman on Sunday back in June. Check the original documents and position papers from 2001/2 - the ITI's were set up to procure - from whatever source - IP that could be exploited by Scottish Industry in three key areas, Techmedia, Life Sciences and Energy. Areas where Scotland has particular strengths.
What seems to have happened - looking in from the wilds of Sutherland as I do - is that when they were set up, SE took their eye off the ball (and SE did have a change of CEO in the middle of all this, so lets not forget the "not invented here" syndrome, and lost control.
So little fiefdoms ran off and did their own thing, only now being pulled back to focus on the original objective - procuring IP for the benefit of Scotland.
Scamp 9:52
Re ITI's and IP Bank - you are simply believing what you read in the Hootsman on Sunday back in June. Check the original documents and position papers from 2001/2 - the ITI's were set up to procure - from whatever source - IP that could be exploited by Scottish Industry in three key areas, Techmedia, Life Sciences and Energy. Areas where Scotland has particular strengths.
What seems to have happened - looking in from the wilds of Sutherland as I do - is that when they were set up, SE took their eye off the ball (and SE did have a change of CEO in the middle of all this, so lets not forget the "not invented here" syndrome, and lost control.
So little fiefdoms ran off and did their own thing, only now being pulled back to focus on the original objective - procuring IP for the benefit of Scotland.
Posted by: Xasperated, 4locations on 10:26pm Wed 26 Sep 07
A bit of tampering, punt some stuff to the Councils with no mention of resources to deliver - encourage business involvement, but scrap Local Enterprise Boards - which contributed well and cost nothing as local business leaders contributed freely. As a business owner with 4 locations across the central belt - how many councils and skills bodies will I need to interact with now?
Excuse me John - but where's the step change going to come from?
Unless Local Business services are going to be covered by statute, you can forget any degree of consistency from Councils?
[bold]I'll print John's statement from today - sorry to say that it's bound to provide plenty material for future letters.[/bold]
A bit of tampering, punt some stuff to the Councils with no mention of resources to deliver - encourage business involvement, but scrap Local Enterprise Boards - which contributed well and cost nothing as local business leaders contributed freely. As a business owner with 4 locations across the central belt - how many councils and skills bodies will I need to interact with now?
Excuse me John - but where's the step change going to come from?
Unless Local Business services are going to be covered by statute, you can forget any degree of consistency from Councils?
I'll print John's statement from today - sorry to say that it's bound to provide plenty material for future letters. Posted by: Pip, Scotland on 10:37pm Wed 26 Sep 07
[quote][bold]Xasperated[/bold] wrote:
A bit of tampering, punt some stuff to the Councils with no mention of resources to deliver - encourage business involvement, but scrap Local Enterprise Boards - which contributed well and cost nothing as local business leaders contributed freely. As a business owner with 4 locations across the central belt - how many councils and skills bodies will I need to interact with now?
Excuse me John - but where's the step change going to come from?
Unless Local Business services are going to be covered by statute, you can forget any degree of consistency from Councils?
[bold]I'll print John's statement from today - sorry to say that it's bound to provide plenty material for future letters.[/bold] [/quote] Well said - only a step change back the way for areas&businesses with multiple local authorities.
Xasperated wrote:
A bit of tampering, punt some stuff to the Councils with no mention of resources to deliver - encourage business involvement, but scrap Local Enterprise Boards - which contributed well and cost nothing as local business leaders contributed freely. As a business owner with 4 locations across the central belt - how many councils and skills bodies will I need to interact with now?
Excuse me John - but where's the step change going to come from?
Unless Local Business services are going to be covered by statute, you can forget any degree of consistency from Councils?
I'll print John's statement from today - sorry to say that it's bound to provide plenty material for future letters.
Well said - only a step change back the way for areas&businesses with multiple local authorities.
Posted by: Archie, ARGYLL?????? on 11:11pm Wed 26 Sep 07
SCRAP THEM ALL AND ALLOW THE REAL CREATIVE PEOPLE TO COME TO THE SURFACE WITHOUT HAVING TO DEAL WITH ANY F-WITS.
TOO MANY GRAVY TRAIN PSEUDOS & JEALOUS BAASTAARDS
SCRAP THEM ALL AND ALLOW THE REAL CREATIVE PEOPLE TO COME TO THE SURFACE WITHOUT HAVING TO DEAL WITH ANY F-WITS.
TOO MANY GRAVY TRAIN PSEUDOS & JEALOUS BAASTAARDS
Posted by: jeff, London on 11:28pm Wed 26 Sep 07
rilliant move by the SNP. The next big problem for scottish Development is 'Scottish Water' and their pretend regulator SEPA.
At least water companies down here have an excuse for putting the customer last...there have shareholders to prioritise not so 'Scottish Water' who still manage to put customers and communities last!
SNP should break up SW and put the responsiblity with those who can deliver it, those with a vested interesting in growth, future proofing and alignment with planning, and who are held to account at every election...local councils.
Scottish water are probably the biggest single barrier to scottish development and growth, and their controlled and paid for by the Scottish Executive.
SNP have the right idea.....If it doesn't work fix it!
rilliant move by the SNP. The next big problem for scottish Development is 'Scottish Water' and their pretend regulator SEPA.
At least water companies down here have an excuse for putting the customer last...there have shareholders to prioritise not so 'Scottish Water' who still manage to put customers and communities last!
SNP should break up SW and put the responsiblity with those who can deliver it, those with a vested interesting in growth, future proofing and alignment with planning, and who are held to account at every election...local councils.
Scottish water are probably the biggest single barrier to scottish development and growth, and their controlled and paid for by the Scottish Executive.
SNP have the right idea.....If it doesn't work fix it!
Posted by: Archie, Argyll??????? on 11:29pm Wed 26 Sep 07
Well said JONNY BOND & JUAN
The most open and sensible comments of them all.
Those parasite idiots wouldnae know a good business idea if ye slapped them across the coupon wi wan.
They are actually more apt tae steal yer good idea & tell you tae F Off cos its no good enough, only for you to find out later they've set their mates up wi mi££ions of pounds to copy YOUR idea.
THEY DONE THAT TO ME by FORCING ARCH STUDIOS out of business and lo & behold the ARCHES in Glasgow city centre open up wi MI££IONS in GRANTS while we got F-ALL by comparison
(A £3000 grant paid 9-10 months later than promised after I employed a fellow and a £6000 per annum rent INCREASE & the rates DOUBLED)
SOME DEAL EH?????
Well said JONNY BOND & JUAN
The most open and sensible comments of them all.
Those parasite idiots wouldnae know a good business idea if ye slapped them across the coupon wi wan.
They are actually more apt tae steal yer good idea & tell you tae F Off cos its no good enough, only for you to find out later they've set their mates up wi mi££ions of pounds to copy YOUR idea.
THEY DONE THAT TO ME by FORCING ARCH STUDIOS out of business and lo & behold the ARCHES in Glasgow city centre open up wi MI££IONS in GRANTS while we got F-ALL by comparison
(A £3000 grant paid 9-10 months later than promised after I employed a fellow and a £6000 per annum rent INCREASE & the rates DOUBLED)
SOME DEAL EH?????
Posted by: Colin B, Bearsden on 12:02am Thu 27 Sep 07
Tearlach
Go to the RSA website and enquire about a project in an area in HIE and you'll be referred to HIE by Cadogan Street
I've got emails from an Anna Dawson at HIE saying she has never heard of RSA Grants!
I know quite a bit actually
Best
Tearlach
Go to the RSA website and enquire about a project in an area in HIE and you'll be referred to HIE by Cadogan Street
I've got emails from an Anna Dawson at HIE saying she has never heard of RSA Grants!
I know quite a bit actually
Best
Posted by: Shamester, Newcastle on 12:10am Thu 27 Sep 07
Archie - sorry to hear that you we're fleeced, if only you'd followed the guidance on IP rights for your idea! Tee Hee - take a chill pill pal!
Reality is if your idea stacked up to such an extent you wouldn't have needed "our" money to help you become the success that you now are!
I'm with Xasp on this one Council's delivering services, it'll be down to local pals, grants for pubs, face lifts for bakers shops, real step change, knowledge economy stuff - hope for your business plan yet Archie!!
Archie - sorry to hear that you we're fleeced, if only you'd followed the guidance on IP rights for your idea! Tee Hee - take a chill pill pal!
Reality is if your idea stacked up to such an extent you wouldn't have needed "our" money to help you become the success that you now are!
I'm with Xasp on this one Council's delivering services, it'll be down to local pals, grants for pubs, face lifts for bakers shops, real step change, knowledge economy stuff - hope for your business plan yet Archie!!
Posted by: Archie, Argyll on 12:32am Thu 27 Sep 07
What pills are you on Tee Hee Shamester
IP RIGHTS what the F I T FW?
There is always AT LEAST wan isn't there
WELL GOOD FOR YOU
YOU GET THE AWARD FOR MORON OF THE MONTH
I would have made it MORON OF THE YEAR but there is far too many other contenders.
So there you GO TEE HEE HEE HEE
NOW FO
What pills are you on Tee Hee Shamester
IP RIGHTS what the F I T FW?
There is always AT LEAST wan isn't there
WELL GOOD FOR YOU
YOU GET THE AWARD FOR MORON OF THE MONTH
I would have made it MORON OF THE YEAR but there is far too many other contenders.
So there you GO TEE HEE HEE HEE
NOW FO
Posted by: Archie, Argyll????? on 12:38am Thu 27 Sep 07
By the way Shamester NEWCASTLE
I didn't require any of YOUR money F W as we opened in 1980 WITHOUT any grants whatsoever and lasted until 1992
In between, recording demos for THOUSANDS of musicians including many who went on to become FAMOUS
What about you TEE HEE HEE?
By the way Shamester NEWCASTLE
I didn't require any of YOUR money F W as we opened in 1980 WITHOUT any grants whatsoever and lasted until 1992
In between, recording demos for THOUSANDS of musicians including many who went on to become FAMOUS
What about you TEE HEE HEE?
Posted by: Sam, Glasgow on 6:22am Thu 27 Sep 07
[quote][bold]Speaking of having a laugh...[/bold] wrote:
Samcafe, here\'s a little business lesson for you, as basic business principles are clearly beyond the comprehension of anyone who\'d defend Scottish Enterprise. If you\'re seeking to defend an organisation, it\'s best not to do it by mocking those who have legitimate concerns about it. If they do, seek and retort the concerns with statistics, facts, and reassurance. You do not paint a good picture of your cause or your organisation by taunting and belittling a dissatisfied customer.[/quote] Oh speaking of having a laugh, you make the mistake of assuming I work for SE because I defend them. My business principles have seen me develop my own business these past ten years very successfully aided and abetted by my local LEC and by SE. Now here's a wee lesson for others writing on this forum, if you want to be taken seriously put your points over without vitriol and and mockery.
Now here's my serious point, if you want support and assistance from a public body that has to account for every penny of taxpayers money it dishes out then provide them with the information they require, just as you would with your bankers or other investors. And, just like your bankers and other investors remember they can say no and if they do its not a huge plot against you.
Speaking of having a laugh... wrote:
Samcafe, here\'s a little business lesson for you, as basic business principles are clearly beyond the comprehension of anyone who\'d defend Scottish Enterprise. If you\'re seeking to defend an organisation, it\'s best not to do it by mocking those who have legitimate concerns about it. If they do, seek and retort the concerns with statistics, facts, and reassurance. You do not paint a good picture of your cause or your organisation by taunting and belittling a dissatisfied customer.
Oh speaking of having a laugh, you make the mistake of assuming I work for SE because I defend them. My business principles have seen me develop my own business these past ten years very successfully aided and abetted by my local LEC and by SE. Now here's a wee lesson for others writing on this forum, if you want to be taken seriously put your points over without vitriol and and mockery.
Now here's my serious point, if you want support and assistance from a public body that has to account for every penny of taxpayers money it dishes out then provide them with the information they require, just as you would with your bankers or other investors. And, just like your bankers and other investors remember they can say no and if they do its not a huge plot against you.
Posted by: KB, ayrshire on 8:20am Thu 27 Sep 07
Its just a reshuffle - in SE you will still have the same 1700 odd staff getting in each others road. Did anyone see Swinney on Newsnight last night? It sounded as though he had been briefed half an hour previously. How can moving people about into new orgs be seriously considered "axeing". He either doesn't have a clue, doesn't have the balls or both. The people at SE must think they have won the lottery; despite recent embarrassments this reshuffle will mean the org, however it is badged, survives for another few years at least. If theres one thing more galling than that its how can moving business start-ups to local authorities be considered a good move. Are those dashing entrepreneurs that permeate our councils going to be the new business gurus? Since 1997 the Scottish Executive have failed time and again to demonstrate they understand never mind can manage economic growth - and wihout that everything else won't work. Here's an idea - blame somebody in London- that's what usually happens. Swinney - you don't have a clue; much like your labour predecessors.
Its just a reshuffle - in SE you will still have the same 1700 odd staff getting in each others road. Did anyone see Swinney on Newsnight last night? It sounded as though he had been briefed half an hour previously. How can moving people about into new orgs be seriously considered "axeing". He either doesn't have a clue, doesn't have the balls or both. The people at SE must think they have won the lottery; despite recent embarrassments this reshuffle will mean the org, however it is badged, survives for another few years at least. If theres one thing more galling than that its how can moving business start-ups to local authorities be considered a good move. Are those dashing entrepreneurs that permeate our councils going to be the new business gurus? Since 1997 the Scottish Executive have failed time and again to demonstrate they understand never mind can manage economic growth - and wihout that everything else won't work. Here's an idea - blame somebody in London- that's what usually happens. Swinney - you don't have a clue; much like your labour predecessors.
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