Oral Answers to Questions

Tom Randall Excerpts

Tuesday 21st January 2020 Commons Chamber

[Dr Rupa Huq (Ealing Central and Acton) (Lab)]

4. What steps the Government are taking to support small businesses.

[Tom Randall (Gedling) (Con)]

15. What recent steps her Department has taken to support small businesses.

[Katherine Fletcher (South Ribble) (Con)]

21. What recent steps her Department has taken to support small businesses.

--- Later in debate ---

[Kelly Tolhurst]

I can reassure the hon. Lady that the Government completely back business, whether in the north or the south. We want businesses to grow wherever they are in the UK. That is highlighted by the fact that in her constituency alone there have been 193 start-up loans, representing £1.6 million. It is clear that the Government are willing to support entrepreneurs and all business owners who want to grow, wherever they are.

[Tom Randall]

On Saturday, I was out on Mapperley Top in my constituency speaking to small business owners and shopkeepers. One of the issues they raised was access to finance. What support is being given to help small businesses like those in Mapperley get access to finance?

[Kelly Tolhurst]

I thank my hon. Friend for his question and welcome him to his place. I am really pleased that, so quickly into being an MP, he is out talking to as many businesses as he can. Clearly, access to finance is a key priority for many businesses. I have already outlined the applications to start-up loans. One interesting element is that applicants for start-up loans are able to have a mentor. He will also know that we have taken action by offering small retailers a third off business rates for two years, starting in April. We are committed to increasing that to 50%.