§ 34. Mr. BrakeTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the assistance given to small businesses. [144562]
§ Mr. CabornThe Government have an ambitious goal that, by 2005, the UK can become the best place in the world to start and grow a business. We will continue to ensure that the United Kingdom's small firms can compete effectively and meet the challenges of the global economy. We recently published a document entitled "Think Small First" which sets out the Government's priorities for promoting an entrepreneurial society in which every small business and individual can achieve their full potential. The document proposes a number of objectives and specific measures to enable SMEs to meet the potential challenges of the next five years. It also proposes a framework for all Government Department's interactions with small businesses. Copies of the document have been placed in the House Libraries.
In addition, the Government have created the Small Business Service (SBS) to bring together all its support for small businesses under one umbrella. The SBS is working with the regional development agencies to ensure a clear understanding of economic priorities and is committed to developing the Business Link network as the natural choice of smaller businesses seeking advice and support. The network will be strongly customer focused and will have an enlarged remit to cover pre-starts, start-up and micro businesses together with established and growth potential businesses.
Equivalent services in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are equally committed.
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§ Gillian MerronTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with other Government Departments to reduce the regulatory burden on small businesses. [144544]
§ Mr. ByersI meet Ministers from other Government Departments on a regular basis to discuss ways to minimise the regulatory burden on small businesses.