Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent steps his Department has taken to help support start-up businesses.

The Start Up Loans Company, part of the Government-owned British Business Bank, provides loans and pre- and post-application support to new entrepreneurs, including a year of free business mentoring for successful applicants.

Our network of 38 Growth Hubs across England provides access to information and advice to all businesses, regardless of size or sector.

The BEIS-funded Business Support Helpline provides free advice and support for all businesses in England – including start-ups.