The economy is on the move although no one should get completely carried away. There are several projects on the drawing board in the UK aimed at increasing growth and the South East is inevitably leading the way. The Government is playing its part. Its initiative for first time buyers has helped get the housing market moving and there is government agency money also available for projects to boost the economy further. It all adds up to a change in prospects after a few years of stagnation. The benefits are likely to be felt in many parts of the country and support services are ready to help.
Financial support
In Oxford for example £42m has been lent to quicken the development of a science park and its infrastructure in Didcot. The development has already started but the loan will accelerate things, being used for the schools, colleges and community centres required for the growing population as employment opportunity increases. Roads will be built and the region opened up to new business with excellent links to different parts of the country.
Specialist support
There are already the service industries and technical expertise in place for businesses that need to concentrate on their own growth but know what support they need to help them. First Line, specialist providers of IT support in Oxford typifies the type of company that can provide the expertise and ensure that any developing business has the modern technology and computer systems so essential in today’s competitive world.
Every company needs to think about its needs but also needs to ensure that it does not waste money. It means that it will be looking for expertise that understands its needs and can tailor a proposal to fit those needs. In the early stages it is likely to be an estimate when it comes to the time required to keep things running smoothly but that should not be cast in stone. It means that a budget can be prepared and a monthly figure agreed which can be adjusted periodically if the estimates were too much or insufficient.
Innovations
IT requirements vary from company to company; an expert will advise each client and review the position on a regular basis. Things are moving quickly and it is essential that any innovations to support business are considered during that review.
The selection of a company to provide expertise is a very important one. Ideally, a new business start up, perhaps a company intending to run from the science park, will get someone fairly local to help as long as it has a proven track record. The opportunity over the next few years is good. It does require focus on the relevant sector and the help of specialists that will ensure that support systems are current and well maintained.
