Purpose - The aim of this paper is to analyse enterprise policy in the United Kingdom (UK), in relation to decisions about policy, policy delivery, entrepreneurial practice and academic/consultative research.Design/methodology/approach - The paper offers and discusses a conceptual framework for analysis of the actors, decisions, and issues involved in enterprise policy-making and policy delivery alongside the interests of the businesses they seek to serve and the academics who provide research support - to shed new light on the UK Government's challenge in satisfying its stated remit.Findings - It considers whether an all-embracing enterprise strategy - with clear ownership and shared commitment - is a realistic alternative to the more piecemeal approach we have experienced in the past. The issues are grounded in key lessons from systems and strategy to assess their relevance to the debate.Originality/value - The change of government in the UK in 2010, the first change for 13 years, makes this debate apposite and the relevant issues discussed are an important challenge for the new coalition.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide greater and deeper insight into the entrepreneur‐enabling “big picture”, explore issues in matching suitable enablers with would‐be entrepreneurs, and consider policy implications in the light of government priorities. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws upon case research with business incubator clients. A number of relevant enabling roles are analysed. Findings There is a clear need to distinguish between when the enabler is focusing on the business or the business idea and when he or she is focusing on the development of the entrepreneur. At the same time it is important to assess whether a directive or non‐directive style is more appropriate. Research limitations/implications This is fundamentally a conceptual viewpoint paper and it contains both anecdotal evidence and opinion. Practical implications The paper offers a commentary on, and a framework for, matching enablers and would‐be entrepreneurs more effectively and discusses the relevance of the arguments for current policy priorities. Originality/value Although some of the work has been published before (mainly in books) this paper contains substantial original and new work.

This paper has been written as a commentary, debate and dialogue about critical issues in entrepreneur enabling. The general issues discussed, which draw upon case-based research from around the world, are clearly relevant for a wide audience. However the specific comments on certain business support programmes in the UK, and upon current UK priorities for targeted support, are country specific. There are two main reasons for writing this paper - first to capture certain conclusions from on-going research into entrepreneur enabling, and second to explore some of the implications of current UK government policy on business support and growth.