Abstract:

This paper is based on 12 years experience of research and consultancy for the UK public sector in 'business markets' - those areas of public policy which are directed at, or derived from, business establishments. Examples of such policy areas are: regional policies, job creation, export marketing support, equal opportunities, and vocational education and training. Specifically, the paper deals with some issues arising from over 12 years work for the Department of Employment and the Manpower Services Commission, the government agency responsible for vocational education and training, and for employment services. This area has been selected as that in which our work has given us most extensive and intensive insights into policy issues - frequently based on longer experience than that of the officials commissioning the work.