Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to support businesses in West Dorset.

This government recognises that micro and small businesses are the backbone of our economy in West Dorset and across the UK. Our Small Business Plan sets out over 200 targeted actions to support businesses to start and grow.

We recognise the challenges small businesses face, including financing their expansion plans. Through the British Business Bank and its programmes, we are helping smaller businesses to access finance, invest and grow.

All businesses can access support through the Business Growth Service via business.gov.uk and local Growth Hubs like Business Growth Dorset, which provide tailored advice, training and signposting.