§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals he has to assist small businesses with management and ITC needs; and in what ways these will help small businesses in Coventry. [146334]
§ Ms HewittThe SBS provides business support, advice, or access to experts, through the Business Link partnerships on every aspect of support a person might need to run their own business, including: management; innovation and technology; business planning; exporting;634W quality; employment issues; training and development; design; information and communication technology and e-commerce.
Business Link Coventry and Warwickshire was successful in bidding to deliver a service in the Coventry and Warwickshire area and are currently developing a business plan for approval.
Improved management skills are a recognised requirement among a large number of businesses and a range of support and initiatives are available in Coventry through the Business Link and its partners. ICT services figure prominently in the BL plan. Building on the DTI's UK Online for Business development, they currently have a network of UK4B centres in the area, including Coventry. This support will cover ICT needs for the day to day running of a business and explore the potential for E Commerce.