HC Deb 02 February 2004 vol 417 cc650-1W
Mr. Stephen O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps her Department is taking to promote the use of the Internet among small and medium-sized companies. [152044]

Mr. Timms

Since 2000, DTI has sought to promote the use of the internet among SMEs through the UK online for business programme. As a result of a decision to restructure business support within DTI, the activities of UK online for business will be integrated into the wider activities of the Department and the Business Link organisation. The decision to restructure has been a direct response to feedback from stakeholders and the aim will be to rationalise the wide range of schemes run by the Department into a small number of coherent and focused products.

The strategy for DTI will be to underline the business benefits that can be achieved through effective use of the internet and other information and communication technologies. Businesses need to become more sophisticated users of the technologies and address issues relating to people and processes as well as the technology itself. DTI will continue to put forward examples of best practice of ICT usage, through websites, publications and events, working closely with industry partners.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action she is taking(a) to improve access to investment capital and (b) to provide other support to small businesses; and if she will make a statement. [150215]

Nigel Griffiths

Since coming to office, the Government have taken a number of steps to improve SMEs' ability to access investment capital. These include the development of Regional Venture Capital Funds, the UK High Technology Fund, Early Growth Funds, The Community Development Venture Fund (known as the Bridges Fund), Community Investment Tax Relief and Investment Readiness demonstration projects. We are currently also developing Enterprise Capital Funds following the 'Bridging the Finance Gap' consultation announced in Budget 2003.

In addition, the changes proposed by the Chancellor in his pre-Budget report to enhance the already effective Venture Capital Trust and Enterprise Investment Scheme tax incentives will further improve the availability of investment capital.

The Government have provided, and continue to provide, a system for practical help and advice to small businesses via Business Link, providing easy access to objective information and support across a wide range of initiatives and financial packages. Business Link provides help and advice for those wishing to start a small business or who are already in a small business. Full details are available on the website (www.businesslink.gov.uk)

Recently, the Government have taken action to support small business via a wide range of initiatives, as outlined in "The Government Action Plan for Small Business" published on 8 January 2004 and available on the Small Business Service website (www.sbs.gov.uk). It provides a comprehensive account of the significant Government help being made available to small businesses.