TECs, LECs, and Small Firms: Differences in Provision and Performance

Abstract

In this paper the way in which the Training and Enterprise Councils (TECs) and Local Enterprise Companies (LECs) have been responding to the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector is considered. By reference to a questionnaire survey of TECs and LECs the organisational mechanisms and policy initiatives which have been developed to reach SMEs are evaluated. The analysis is concentrated on the differential performance of TECs and LECs and whether size and employment composition factors, or the complexity of the area the TEC or LEC operates in, affects its ability to encourage small-business involvement.