HC Deb 24 February 1997 vol 291 c59W
Mr. Jon Owen Jones

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to improve the competitiveness of small businesses. [15519]

Mr. Page

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the Government recognise the vital contribution made to the economy by small businesses and are working hard to improve competitiveness by creating a favourable economic climate, reducing administrative and regulatory burdens on business and providing direct assistance where required.

Of crucial importance to improving the competitiveness of smaller businesses is the network of business links. Each outlet provides a single point of access to a wide range of high-quality integrated business support services.

Flows of UK outward direct investment to EU, USA and rest of the world (RoW): 1984–95 (percent of total)
1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
EU 0 29 19 12 27 28 50 42 46 36 43 37
USA 48 37 64 66 50 54 1 24 13 44 25 40
RoW 52 34 17 22 23 18 49 34 41 20 32 23

Source:

Business Monitor: MA4.