Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how the Business Growth Service will (a) work with local authorities in design and implementation and (b) progress wider government aims for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises.

The Business Growth Service will provide a national service and brand with locally led delivery and local business support services at its core. Local authorities are therefore key partners in the design and implementation of the Business Growth Service as well as the development of the broader Small Business Strategy aimed at helping SMEs to thrive.

DBT is currently consulting on these areas with the Mayoral Strategic Authorities, including the Greater London Authority, and other local government representatives via roundtables and other engagement routes, and this will continue as the Department prepares to the launch the Business Growth Service later this year.