Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent steps her Department has taken to help Bolton Council (a) support (i) businesses, (ii) exporters and (iii) manufacturers and (b) attract foreign direct investment.

The Department for Business and Trade offers a range of nationwide export support services which can be adapted to meet local needs. The department has recently in-housed a team of International Trade Advisors, a number of whom are based in the North- West and offer one to one export advice and support to businesses. Initiatives such as the Export Academy, the Foreign Direct Investment strategy and the Export Champions scheme offer knowledge and practical help to local businesses.

The department works closely with local partners in the North-West such as the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce which covers the Bolton area.