§ Mr. McCabeTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures he proposes to promote enterprise within disadvantaged areas in the West Midlands region affected by BMW's decisions on Longbridge. [116609]
§ Mr. ByersI announced the creation of the Rover Task Force on the day after BMW's news that it is to sell the Longbridge plant.
The Task Force is making good progress and is to produce a report within the next four weeks which looks at the impact of BMW's decision and also makes
535Wrecommendations about initiatives that may be taken to support workers and to assist the regeneration of the Longbridge area.
In making its recommendations, I have asked the Task Force to look at:
- Ways in which parts of Longbridge that will not be used by the new owners can be redeveloped to safeguard employment
- Training, re-skilling and support for people who may lose their jobs
- Ways to support and improve the competitiveness of the supplier chain
- Whether local transport services need to be improved to enable people find new work.
Some of the early actions taken include setting up a Job Shop on site at Longbridge to provide advice to workers and fast-track access to benefit, establishing a telephone hotline for suppliers and employees and the creation of a website that will provide information and signposting for companies and individuals to a range of business creation and support organisations in the region.
Notwithstanding any recommendations that the Task Force may make in its report to promote enterprise, businesses in many areas of the West Midlands are eligible to apply for Regional Selective Assistance or the Enterprise Grant Scheme. These schemes offer financial support to businesses to boost new business formation, promote growth and help diversification.