Oral Answers to Questions

David Rutley Excerpts

Thursday 23rd March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Sir David Amess (Southend West) (Con)]

5. What steps his Department is taking to help businesses build trading opportunities abroad.

[David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con)]

9. What steps his Department is taking to help businesses build trading opportunities abroad.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Trade (Mark Garnier)]

The Department for International Trade provides market access, support and advice to UK businesses both in the UK and in 109 markets overseas. Through the GREAT campaign we build the global appetite for British goods and services, and give UK companies access to millions of pounds’ worth of potential business through the digital services offered on the great.gov.uk website.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mark Garnier]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Trade delegations give an opportunity for small businesses to be put in front of buyers, and the Department for International Trade runs about 1,000 of them every year; I have been on a number, as have my colleagues, and they are extraordinarily successful in developing opportunities.

[David Rutley]

What steps is my hon. Friend the Minister taking to help first-time entrepreneurs become first-time successful exporters?

[Mark Garnier]

The great.gov.uk website is a tremendous opportunity, whereby entrepreneurs, many of whom are very tech savvy, can take advantage of the opportunities that we provide through our subsidised access to global e-marketplaces. They can also access the advice we provide through the website for exactly that type of business—they are supported as well.

Oral Answers to Questions

David Rutley Excerpts

Thursday 3rd November 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Alan Mak (Havant) (Con)]

5. What steps his Department is taking to help businesses take advantage of future trading opportunities abroad.

[David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con)]

7. What steps his Department is taking to help businesses take advantage of future trading opportunities abroad.

[Michelle Donelan (Chippenham) (Con)]

9. What steps his Department is taking to help businesses take advantage of future trading opportunities abroad.

--- Later in debate ---

[Greg Hands]

I certainly will. My hon. Friend and I had a productive conversation just last week following his successful visit to Hong Kong. The Under-Secretary of State for International Trade, my hon. Friend the Member for Wyre Forest (Mark Garnier) was also in Hong Kong last month, and we are absolutely committed to using our networks and our professionals overseas to boost both trade and investment.

[David Rutley]

Given the strong contribution made by the life sciences sector to UK exports—AstraZeneca’s site in Macclesfield made a huge contribution to the company’s £5 billion-worth of exports in 2015—will my right hon. Friend tell the House what steps he is taking to work with the sector to ensure that medicines that are researched, developed and manufactured in the UK continue to have ease of access to European markets and global growth markets once the UK leaves the EU?

Oral Answers to Questions

David Rutley Excerpts

Thursday 8th September 2016 Commons Chamber

[Karen Bradley]

I am aware of the issue; it has been raised by a number of Members. We need to ensure that we have sport on free-to-air, so that we increase participation and make sure people enjoy sport. The Minister for Digital and Culture will be happy to meet the hon. Lady to discuss this matter further.

[David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con)]

T4. I welcome my right hon. Friend and constituency neighbour to her place. I also welcome the positive progress the Government are making in promoting the benefits of outdoor recreation. Will my right hon. Friend tell the House what steps she is taking to promote outdoor activities in the Peak district, which our constituents hold so dear?

[Karen Bradley]

The Peak district is most definitely a very important part of both the Macclesfield and Staffordshire Moorlands constituencies. I know my hon. Friend is a great hill walker and often walks in The Roaches. I enjoy walking in his constituency, too. I absolutely agree that we should be promoting the Peak district and all national parks as great places for outdoor activities. The Sport England inspired facilities fund has invested nearly £170,000 in mountain biking, gliding and sailing at venues and clubs across the Peak district. I am sure the whole House will join me in welcoming that.