§ Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps her Department is taking to increase the number of people going into business or becoming self-employed; what targets have been set; if she will make a statement on progress to date; and what estimate she has made of the number of people who were considering going into business or becoming self-employed in each year since 1997. [143042]
§ Nigel GriffithsThere are a number of Government support initiatives aimed at helping those thinking about starting a business. These include
A comprehensive range of start-ups service delivered through Business Link and other outlets in EnglandThe publication of the No-nonsense guide to Government rules and regulations for setting up your businessThe launch of businesslink.gov.In 2001, 12 per cent. of adults in England were considering going into business or becoming self-employed. The DTI has a target to increase this to 14 per cent. by 2005.