§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many(a) small and (b) medium size companies have contacted the Small Business Service since 2000; and if she will make a statement on future operational activity of the SBS. [63670]
§ Nigel GriffithsThe Small Business Service (SBS) was set up in April 2000. It works through 45 local Business Links to deliver business support services to SMEs. Small businesses are able to access these services via a number of channels—by calling the Business Link National Enquiry Line on 0845 600 9006; by logging on to the www.businesslink.org website; or by directly contacting their local Business Link. These channels became operational in April 2001.
Although we do not hold comprehensive information on the size of the companies that have contacted us, statistics for the period 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002, are as follows:
- Number of SMEs that were provided with information or advice by their local Business Link—244,685
- Number of calls to the Business Link National Enquiry Line—68,053
- Number of e-mail inquiries generated via www.businesslink.org—4,989.
Prior to April 2001 comprehensive contact statistics were not recorded.
In addition, from April 2000 until the end of May 2002 the SBS National Enquiry Line (0114 259 7788) has dealt with over 11,860 inquiries.
SBS future operational activity
The SBS Business Plan for 2002–03 will be available on the website www.sbs.gov.uk in July. This sets out the operational priorities.