HC Deb 14 April 1994 vol 241 cc253-4W
Mr. Garnier

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what developments have been made, since his announcement on 14 December 1992, in exploring how the small firms loan guarantee scheme can be improved through linking loans with appropriate help, advice and training in business skills.

Mr. McLoughlin

I am pleased to announce, subject to contract negotiations, the funding of 10 pilot projects which will offer advice and counselling to borrowers under the loan guarantee scheme. The pilot projects will start as soon as possible and will run for three years. The pilots will operate in the areas covered by the following:

  • Avon TEC
  • Birmingham Business Link
  • Doncaster Business Link
  • Hertfordshire TEC
  • Tyneside TEC
  • Metro TEC (Wigan)
  • Kent TEC
  • South Thames TEC
  • Fife Enterprise
  • Tayside Enterprise