41. Mr. PatrickThompson asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures he is taking to encourage small firms to seek appropriate advice and training.
§ Mr. TrippierI believe that both advice and training are vital to the success of small businesses. Indeed, evidence clearly indicates that the success rate amongst small firms is significantly higher when they take advantage of advice and training. This is why a major theme of Local Enterprise Week 1985 has been to demonstrate the wide range of business services, training and advice available to small firms within their own locality.
To demonstrate the value of training in business my Department and the Manpower Services Commission recently jointly produced a video called "The Road to Success". Over 1,100 copies of the video have been provided to local organisations to show to those involved in small businesses during Local Enterprise Week and subsequently.