§ Mr. Boris JohnsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her target is for the current financial year for reducing the tax and regulatory compliance costs of small businesses. [6342]
§ Nigel GriffithsThe Small Business Service was established on 3 April 2000 as an Executive Agency. It has had a successful first year and the first Annual Report is available in the Library of the House.
The vision of the SBS is for the UK to be the best place in the world to start and grow a business. Its purpose is to build an enterprise society in which small businesses thrive and achieve their potential. The objectives of the SBS are to:
Be a strong voice for small business at the heart of Government—ensuring that Government are aware of, and responsive to, the needs of all small businesses;Strive for a regulatory framework which minimises the burdens on business;Develop and maintain a world-class business support service to enhance businesses' competitiveness and profitability; andChampion the importance of entrepreneurship across society, particularly in under-represented and disadvantaged groups.In relation to the 2001–02 year the SBS has a target to: Put in place a set of actions for reforming the regulatory environment for small businesses by March 2002.