§ Mr. CotterTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what initiatives he has taken to encourage the start-up and growth of Afro-Caribbean-owned businesses. [61177]
§ Mrs. RocheThe Government seek to provide a stable economic environment which encourages the start-up and growth of businesses from all sectors of the population.
Business Link Services are aimed at the needs of the local business community. In areas where there is a high proportion of Afro-Caribbean businesses, issues of particular concern to them must be addressed.
As part of the Enhanced Accreditation Criteria (launched April 1998) Business Link partnerships must now demonstrate that Business Link advisers have the appropriate background for dealing with their client base and that the Business Link Board is representative of the business community.