Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to (a) promote the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises and (b) help businesses compete effectively in global markets.

We are committed to helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) grow. Our support includes access to the free Business Support Helpline, one of the 38 Growth Hubs across England, Help to Grow: Management scheme or visit the newly-launched Help to Grow website. Businesses can access government-backed finance from the British Business Bank for Start Up Loans programme and Recovery Loan Scheme.

Through our Export Strategy, ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ the Department for Business and Trade provides extensive support and advice to SME businesses, whether they are considering exporting, learning how to go about it, or expanding into new markets.