§ Mr. PurchaseTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what assistance is being provided through the offices of the local enterprise agencies to the development of the co-operative form of enterprise; what contacts exist between the local enterprise agencies and co-operative development agencies; and what action the Government are taking to ensure that those providing information and advice on the setting up of new business are aware of the co-operative alternative and can provide such information and advice where that is appropriate or requested; and if he will make a statement. [26918]
§ Mr. PageLocal enterprise agencies advise start-up businesses about the opportunities available to them locally. This will include access to finance, counselling, training and impartial advice on a range of subjects including the co-operative form of enterprise.
The network of enterprise agencies has local links with co-operative development agencies. Individuals seeking self-employment may be referred from one to the other. A number of co-operative development agencies also operate as local enterprise agencies in their own right.
My Department has funded the development of a resource pack related to co-operatives for business advisers working with micro-businesses. It is being disseminated through a number of regional seminars to which the main providers of information and advice, business links, training and enterprise councils and enterprise agencies, have been invited.