§ 99. Mr. PageTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to promote best practice to British business.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe enterprise initiative is a national programme which aims to raise the performance of management by promoting the use of best practice. The key element in the enterprise initiative is the six consultancy initiatives, covering marketing (including export marketing), design, quality, manufacturing systems, business planning, and financial and information systems. Their aim is to improve management skills in these key areas in small and medium-sized firms by encouraging them to use specialist outside advice.
Other elements of the enterprise initiative, notably the business and education initiative and the research and technology initiative, are also concerned with technology transfer and encouraging the promotion of best practice throughout industry and commerce.