§ 41. Mr. Patrick Thompsonasked the Paymaster General what steps he proposes to seek to improve the levels of marketing skill prevalent amongst those starting up in business.
§ Mr. TrippierAdvice on marketing is available to those starting-up in business as part of the general business advice offered by the Department's small firms service. The Department of Trade and Industry provides help with marketing and market research to small businesses in areas affected by closures in the steel, shipbuilding and textile industries through its business improvement services package. The British Overseas Trade Board provides a range of assistance which can help the small exporter with marketing overseas. Consideration is being given to the possibility of extending the business and technical advisory services financed by the Department of Trade and Industry to cover marketing.