§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what action she is taking to encourage the establishment and growth of small firms in Staffordshire. [13890]
§ Mrs. Roche[holding answer 3 November 1997]: The Government recognises the vital role that small firms play in a successful enterprise economy and is firmly committed to providing the right conditions for the sector to compete and grow.
Government funding supports initiatives which help both the establishment and growth of small firms in Staffordshire.
Under the first round of the single regeneration budget challenge fund up to £1.28 million over six years has been committed towards establishing 2,000 new businesses and 3,600 jobs in Staffordshire. The Government Office for the West Midlands has contracted with Staffordshire training and enterprise council to manage this programme.
The Government Office also holds an annual contract with the training and enterprise council, worth approximately £1.7 million, to fund Business Link Staffordshire. The purpose of the Business Link is to help small businesses become more competitive, more successful and better able to meet challenges of the next decade. The Business Link offers independent specialist advice to help businesses identify and address their problems through a tailored package of support.