"SOME callers have been unable to get through on a new streamlined business support phone number launched this week, the Assembly Government has admitted.

Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said a new era had begun when unveiling the system of flexible business support on Thursday. The new model, with a capital budget of £92m, replaces earlier initiatives, including regional selective assistance. To make the service more accessible, it was given a dedicated phone number – 0300 060 3000.

Mr Jones said: “This radical new approach to business support demonstrates our commitment to helping businesses the length and breadth of the country grow and prosper, delivering more and better jobs for the people of Wales. Underpinned by a new single investment fund, dedicated relationship managers will work with companies to provide a tailored package of assistance to help unlock the growth potential of those businesses.”

It quickly emerged that some business switchboards are unable to access the new number. When the Western Mail was contacted by such a company, we got the ‘number unobtainable’ tone too."


http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/04/19/dial-m-for-muddle-91466-20788651/

oldharryrocks wrote on Apr 21^st, 2008 at 2:43am:

http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/04/19/dial-m-for-muddle-91466-20788651/

the article continues


Quote:

... A secretary at a Cardiff-based public relations firm tried the number twice from her direct dial phone yesterday. She said: “The line was dead on both occasions. I then tried our switchboard, but they said the number was not recognised.” An Assembly Government spokesman said: “The 0300 prefix was introduced by Ofcom last year to replace the 0845 number, and is widely used to access public services, including the DVLA, local authorities and the police. In a few cases, some callers’ switchboards may not yet be geared up to dial the new 03 prefix, and we are in touch with Ofcom to find out how soon this will be resolved.”

Basically, this article shows how much of a cock-up Ofcom made during their introduction and roll-out of 03 numbers!

This relates to the business support line, the main access to the National Assembly (Welsh Assembly Government known by the acronym WAG) recently changed to an 0845 number (see my recent post).  I have posted the geo number but not yet posted on the alternative numbers board-will do so asap. Why can't this number now be transferred to an 03 number?  Am meeting with the local assembly member this friday so will try to get some answers re this and the business support number.  

All members of the assembly (and everyone else prepared to accept this statement) should be reminded of the following, from the Assembly Government:

“The 0300 prefix was introduced by Ofcom last year to replace the 0845 number"

Perhaps 03xx would be better and some may wish to dispute the accuracy (as 0845 is being allowed to continue), but in the context of the public sector it will do fine for me.

# Inflamatory post removed ~ DaveM

                                                                                                                                                 

NGM needs to get a grip of that fabricant imagination, which has previously asserted that these are the same person anyway, as well as half a dozen others.

And his personal abuse is as boring as ever

# Inflamatory remarks made by NGM removed ~ DaveM

                                                                                                                                                 


# Inflamatory remarks made by NGM removed ~ DaveM