§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many firms in Leeds, West have benefited from the small firms loan guarantee; and in which sectors. [147218]
§ Nigel GriffithsIn the financial year 2002–03, 10 firms in Leeds, West benefited from a loan under the Small Firms Loan Guarantee; eight in the service sector and two in manufacturing.
In the current financial year to 31 December 2003, 14 firms have received loans; seven in the service sector and seven in manufacturing.
§ Brian CotterTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many small businesses have(a) opened and (b) closed in disadvantaged areas in each year since 1997. [147607]
§ Nigel GriffithsValue added tax (VAT) registrations and de-registrations are the best official guide to the pattern of start-ups and closures. These cover businesses of all sizes.
The Neighbourhood Renewal Unit has defined 88 local authorities in England as being deprived for the purposes of targeting the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.
The number of businesses registering and de-registering for VAT in each calendar year from 1997 to 2002 in deprived areas in England is as follows:
789W
VAT registrations and de-registrations in English deprived areas1 VAT registrations VAT de-registrations 1997 58,835 48,045 1998 60,490 48,890 1999 59,450 50,490 2000 60,045 52,470 2001 56,530 52,830 2002 56,255 55,530 1Deprived areas are defined by the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit. See http://www.neighbourhood.gov.uk for further details