Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what (a) financial and (b) other steps her Department is taking to encourage the creation of businesses in (i) Mid Bedfordshire constituency and (ii) Bedfordshire.

The government aims to make the UK the best place in the world to start a business.

The Start Up Loans Company, part of the Government-owned British Business Bank, is creating opportunities for businesses to start and grow. As of October 2023, 13 SMEs in Mid Bedfordshire have received start-up loans to the value of £159,200 and 70 SMEs in Bedfordshire to the value of £838,600.

The government also provides extensive support to aspiring businesses, through the Business Support Helpline, a network of Growth Hubs and GOV.UK website, which provides information on starting up and running a business.