§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will estimate the(a) number of additional jobs created, (b) increase in turnover, (c) increase in profits, (d) grow tit in net assets and (e) growth in exports, as a result of Business Links since 1994. [123536]
§ Ms Hewitt[holding answer 24 May 2000]: The most recent estimation we have of Business Link impact is from the Business Link Value for Money Evaluation, which relates to the period 1994 to 1997. This study was carried out in 1998 by independent consultants, and is available from the House of Commons Library.
It estimated that, during this period, the support provided by Business Links was responsible for generating more than 8000 jobs, £1 billion extra turnover, £30 million extra profits, £145 million extra net assets and £400 million extra exports nationally.