HC Deb 16 February 1999 vol 325 c668W
Mr. Paul Marsden

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on Government policy on the use of the Business Excellence Model in SMEs. [70150]

Mr. Wills

The Government are supporting the use of the Business Excellence Model as a framework for businesses to adopt a systematic approach to business improvement. DTI is a founder member of the British Quality Foundation, which is responsible for developing and disseminating the model in the UK. DTI best practice materials have been developed around this model and also promote its use. Furthermore, the Department is encouraging Business Links to use the Business Excellence Model in their work with SMEs and it will also form part of the recently announced CBI/DTI "Fit for the Future" campaign.