§ 23. Mr. Mark RobinsonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what support his Department is giving to businesses located in the south-west. [551]
§ Mr. Greg KnightMy Department provides a wide range of services for businesses in the south-west, including business links and two regional supply offices. In addition, since April 1995 £12.7 million of regional selective assistance has been offered to companies in the region generating over £84 million worth of investment and 2,655 jobs.
The Government have also promoted a new south-west competitiveness network aimed at improving a considerable number of factors influencing the international competitiveness of business in the region. The new local competitiveness budget will also increase the extent to which key business support services, funded by the Government, are designed and delivered within the region.