§ Linda PerhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to improve the provision of business advice to owners of small businesses in London. [136619]
§ Nigel GriffithsDuring the first six months of the current financial year, Business Link for London has worked with over 31,887 businesses, this compares to the corresponding period of the previous financial year (2002–03) when 16,432 businesses were assisted, this being a 94 per cent. increase, including 23 per cent. that are Black or Minority Ethnic businesses.
Business Link for London has an agreed Delivery Plan with the Small Business Service to provide a high quality business advice and support service to small and medium sized businesses (SM Es) in London.
Client satisfaction levels are currently at 83.1 per cent. (Quarter 2 result 2003–04), a 5.1 per cent. raise in satisfaction levels compared to the corresponding period in the previous financial year, showing that the quality of service is improving as well as the numbers receiving the service.