Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alice Macdonald and Darren Paffey

Thursday 12th December 2024 Commons Chamber

[Alice Macdonald (Norwich North) (Lab/Co-op)]

8. What steps his Department is taking to support small and medium-sized businesses.

[Darren Paffey (Southampton Itchen) (Lab)]

12. What steps his Department is taking to support small businesses.

[The Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Jonathan Reynolds)]

Small businesses are the beating heart of our high streets and communities, and are essential to our economic success. That is why, on Small Business Saturday, I announced the business growth service, which will ensure that businesses across the UK get quicker and easier support and advice from Government. Further announcements include the disability finance code for entrepreneurship to improve access to capital and tackle inequality for disabled entrepreneurs. A new fair payment code was launched by the Office of the Small Business Commissioner to help address late payments. Next year, as my hon. Friend has said, the small business strategy will be published to create thriving high streets, easier access to finance, open overseas and domestic markets and enhanced business capability.