The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has backed calls for government-backed advisory service Business Link to be scrapped.
According to the body, an entirely new business support model is needed as the current one treats professional accountants poorly.
Professor Robin Jarvis, head of ACCA's Small Business Unit, said that if firms call Business Link and ask for an accountant they will be given three practices at random from a list, regardless of their expertise. He added that if people ask for a business consultant they will not be recommended an accountant, regardless of how experienced they are as they would be on a separate list.
Glenn Collins, head of Advisory Services at ACCA UK, said: "Tinkering around the edges will not save Business Link. The brokerage model of business support never worked in the first place, and Business Link never became an adviser of choice or the first port of call."
The ACCA stated that the government's online business information portal was an excellent tool, but needs rebranding.
Earlier this month, it was reported that the Conservatives plan to axe Business Link if they win the next general election.
