§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many businesses have benefited from start-up assistance from Government schemes; what types of business have benefited; and what initiatives have been taken in the years 1997 to 2000(a) nationally, (b) in Teesside and (c) in the constituency of Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East; and if he will make a statement. [128512]
§ Ms HewittNumbers of businesses which have used Business Link services, which includes advice to people wanting to start their own business, since 1997 is as follows:
Year Number 1997–98 446,040 1998–99 393,580 1999–2000 419,294 Note:
Businesses using BL more than once in a quarter count only once. Business using BL more than once in different quarters are counted in each quarter.
Nationally, the following major initiatives have been taken since 1997: the Government made their commitment in the Competitiveness White Paper published in December 1998 to provide a new high-quality advice service to 10,000 businesses in England per annum by the end of 2001, focusing on those with high growth potential; the Small Business Service, launched in April this year, will provide information, advice and access to experts on all aspects of running a business. The SBS is ensuring that the Business Link Network tailors its services to the different needs of the whole range of smaller businesses, including the self-employed and those considering starting-up in business; my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced on 23 June this year a new package of help worth up to £500, and £2000 in areas of high unemployment, for anyone in Britain wanting to start up in business; the DTI is spending some £3 million on the Business Volunteer Mentoring Scheme, which is currently being piloted. The scheme is based on a core of volunteers—both retired and otherwise—drawn from all sections of the business community and who will provide mentoring for pre-start-ups, start-ups and those businesses yet to reach the stage of stability.
In Teesside, Start Right in Business, a Tees Valley TEC-led partnership, aims to provide support and funding to help create and maintain 900 new businesses during 1999–2001. The partnership brings together unemployed people, local authorities, Business Link Tees Valley, local enterprise agencies, banks and private sector sponsors to give training, advice and support to people wanting to set up their own business.
No separate information is available for the constituency of Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East.