Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what support his Department is providing to small businesses in (a) Devon and (b) other rural areas.

Last year the Business Secretary announced a new Business Growth Service which will make it easier for businesses across Devon and the rest of the UK and in rural areas, to get help, support and advice to grow and thrive.

The South West Growth Hub is where small and medium sized businesses in Devon and the surrounding rural areas can benefit from specialist advice on how to scale up, access new markets and receive financial support through the British Business Bank.

Businesses can also access other Government programmes such as the Business Support Service, Help to Grow: Management, the UK Export Academy, International Trade Advisors and the Export Support Service.