HC Deb 19 June 2000 vol 352 cc73-4W
Dr. Kumar

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures he is putting in place to support young entrepreneurs(a) nationally and (b) in Teeside; and if he will make a statement.[126494]

Mr. Byers

My Department is committed to helping young entrepreneurs throughout the UK. For example, we are supporting Enterprise Insight the business-led campaign, which is informing young people about the challenges and rewards of starting a business as well as developing entrepreneurial skills and helping businesses to grow. Enterprise Insight has set up a Regional Team for the North East which is currently developing a calendar of events.

My Department is also supporting the Young Enterprise Innovation Awards final in July and helping Young Enterprise with the pilot development of Graduate Enterprise into a national programme. Teeside University is taking part in the pilot scheme.

This month the awards ceremony for the European Awards for the Spirit of Enterprise took place, which DTI supported. Young people from every region participated.