Small Businesses

Debate between Lord Cotter and Lord Strathclyde

Wednesday 9th February 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Cotter]

My Lords—

[The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Lord Strathclyde)]

My Lords, there is time for both Peers. Perhaps we could have my noble friend Lord Cotter first and then, if it is the will of the House, the noble Lord on the Cross Benches.

[Lord Cotter]

My Lords, it is well recognised that small businesses are a crucial part of the local community and are ready to deliver on the big society. Local enterprise partnerships were recently established to do this and to help small businesses. However, I point out to the Minister that there is great concern that big business is overshadowing small businesses in the local enterprise partnerships, which were intended to give opportunities for small businesses in the community to provide employment for local people. Will she look at that issue?

UK: International Competitiveness

Debate between Lord Cotter and Lord Strathclyde

Wednesday 23rd June 2010 Lords Chamber

[Lord Strathclyde]

My Lords, there is time for both noble Lords. Perhaps we should have the noble Lord, Lord Cotter, first, and then the noble Lord, Lord Jones.

[Lord Cotter]

My Lords, the Government are rightly committed to reducing bureaucracy to help competitiveness. Will the Minister look at the hurdles faced by small businesses when they try to borrow? They include new charges and fees along the line, audits, facility fees, reviews, management fees and so it goes on. These are clearly blocks in the way of the ability to borrow. Will the Minister also consider the high rate at which businesses frequently have to borrow through the banks?