§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the way that assistance is given to small firms in the regions. [121662]
§ Ms HewittThe DTI is responsible for many forms of assistance to small firms. All those services are subject to regular evaluation.
At a regional level, business support can be provided in a variety of ways. Some services are provided by the Government Offices in the regions; others are provided by the Regional Development Agencies. But the most important mechanism for providing support for small businesses at the local level in England is the network of Business Link partnerships. These provide their own services, but also access to other forms of support from both the public and private sector. Funding mechanisms also vary and, in relevant areas, EU funding can be a significant source of business support.
500WIt is critically important that the services provided and funded by Government are effective both in terms of content and delivery. The Department therefore asked each Regional Development Agency (and the London Development Partnership) last year to report on the delivery of business support in their region. A number of RDAs supported their reviews with external research. Those reports are now being received and the newly-established Small Business Service will be taking forward the reports with each of the RDAs. In parallel, the Small Business Service is itself restructuring the Business Link network, with the aim of new Business Link partnerships coming into operation from April 2001. The new partnerships will be expected to develop their services within the context both of the RDA regional economic strategies and national priorities established by the SBS.