§ Mr. David ShawTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the achievements of(a) his policies, and (b) his Department in helping small businesses over the last 12 months as against the previous 12 months; and if he will publish the performance indicators by which his Department monitors those achievements and the statistical result of such monitoring. [34697]
§ Mr. AncramAssistance towards small firms in Northern Ireland is delivered for the Department of Economic Development by its agency, the Local Enterprise Development Unit.
LEDU's strategy forms an integral part of the Government's approach to encourage competitiveness and growth among small businesses. I am encouraged that LEDU had another successful year in 1994–95. LEDU client companies' turnover increased by 11 per cent. in real terms compared with 9.5 per cent. in 1993–94 and had a net increase in full-time employment of 3,500 or 1107W 11.9 per cent.—Northern Ireland average 2.6 per cent.—compared with an increase of 5.8 per cent. recorded in the previous year.
Key results are as follows
Performance indicators 1994–95 targets 1994–95 results Business start training (numbers) 3,000 3,732 Small business accommodation 8,200 sq m 6,169 sq m Growth implementing contracts signed 152 159 Contracts to companies engaged in projects to overcome barriers to growth 760 1,049