The Government reaffirmed its commitment to all the UK\u2019s 5.5 million small businesses with the creation of a new Small Business Council. The Council builds on the Department\u2019s existing support for SMEs and will provide a bespoke forum for small businesses to have their voices represented within Government.<\/p>
<\/p>
The Help to Grow website is a one-stop shop for small businesses to clearly identify what funding they can access, webinars as well as the basics of setting up a business.<\/p>
<\/p>
Businesses can still access government-backed financial support from the Start Up Loans Company, which provides loans and support to new entrepreneurs.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4474", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Kevin Hollinrake"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Thirsk and Malton"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Kevin Hollinrake"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-02-12", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-02-12T16:55:42.297Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "214"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business and Trade"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business and Trade"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-02-05", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Small Businesses"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps her Department is taking to help support the development of new small businesses.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4079", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Julian Sturdy"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "York Outer"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Julian Sturdy"} ], "uin" : "12953"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1687466", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Business and Trade"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1687466/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
My officials are coordinating and leading the drafting on a roadmap which will set out the Government\u2019s ambition for future Smart Data scheme development across seven different sectors. The Government plans to publish this in early 2024.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4474", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Kevin Hollinrake"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Thirsk and Malton"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Kevin Hollinrake"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-02-12", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-02-12T17:19:13.283Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "214"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business and Trade"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business and Trade"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-02-05", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Databases"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the oral contribution by the Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business of 30 November 2023, Official Report, column 1054, what recent progress she has made on publishing the smart data roadmap.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1584", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for John Penrose"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Weston-super-Mare"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "John Penrose"} ], "uin" : "12972"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1687513", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Business and Trade"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1687513/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
In 2023 in the UK, 494 companies with a SIC code 49410 - Freight Transport by Road - entered insolvency.<\/p>
At Autumn Statement 2023, the Government announced continuing support for haulage companies, freezing HGV Vehicle Excise Duty and the HGV Levy in 2024/25. This forms part of a package of support for hauliers, with the freezing of Fuel Duty announced at Spring Budget 2023, saving over £4,300 for the most common types of HGV in 2023/24.<\/p>
The Department for Education is also offering high-quality apprenticeships and Skills Bootcamps, supporting the haulage sector to develop the skilled workforces it needs.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4474", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Kevin Hollinrake"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Thirsk and Malton"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Kevin Hollinrake"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-02-13", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-02-13T10:59:44.037Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "214"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business and Trade"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business and Trade"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-02-05", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Freight: Insolvency"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what estimate she has made of the number of road haulage businesses entering insolvency in 2023; and what steps he is taking to support that industry.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1428", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Bill Wiggin"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "North Herefordshire"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Sir Bill Wiggin"} ], "uin" : "12931"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1687520", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Business and Trade"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1687520/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The examination of goods included in Appendix 1, Section B, Subsection 1, A, 2 of the Annex Modifications to Annex 1 to the UK-Andean Trade Agreement must take place within two years of entry into force of the UK-Andean Countries Trade Agreement. The agreement entered into force for all parties in June 2022.<\/p>
<\/p>
In the review, the UK will consider the interests of businesses and consumers alongside our development objectives. The Government will engage stakeholders and meet our existing commitments for consultation in the UK-Cariforum Economic Partnership Agreement.<\/p>
<\/p>
There are no plans to publish an impact assessment.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1526", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Greg Hands"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Chelsea and Fulham"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Greg Hands"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-02-13", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-02-13T13:54:50.13Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "214"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business and Trade"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business and Trade"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-02-05", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Import Duties: South America"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to Appendix 1, Section B, Subsection 1, A, 2 of the Annex Modifications to Annex 1 to the UK-Andean Trade Agreement, signed in Quito on 15 May 2019, CP 122, what the (a) timing and (b) process is of the examination of the improvement of tariff liberalisation of goods included in staging category BA; against what criteria she plans to assess the potential impact of that improvement; what plans she has to consult countries potentially affected; and whether she plans to publish an impact assessment.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/177", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Gareth Thomas"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Harrow West"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Gareth Thomas"} ], "uin" : "12909"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1687670", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Business and Trade"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1687670/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Lenders are currently offering over £100 million of additional lending per month through the British Business Bank\u2019s Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS), with 85 per cent of facilities going to small and micro businesses. RLS is particularly effective at serving alternative and social lenders, with more than three quarters of lending delivered through smaller lenders, including Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI). Since launch, RLS has enabled almost £50 million of CDFI lending: over 90% of the businesses which borrowed from CDFIs in 2023 had been turned down by another lender, and half were based in the UK\u2019s most disadvantaged areas.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4931", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Offord of Garvel"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Offord of Garvel"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-02-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "HL2165"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-02-15T16:01:45.847Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "214"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business and Trade"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business and Trade"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-02-05", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Recovery Loan Scheme"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Johnson of Lainston on 1 February (HL1695), what assessment they have made of the impact of not renewing the Recovery Loan Scheme on small businesses in deprived areas who have received loans from Community Development Financial Institutions after being turned down for loans from high street banks.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4909", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Kamall"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Kamall"} ], "uin" : "HL2192"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1687691", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Business and Trade"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1687691/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Companies Act 2006 requires directors to have regard to impact of a company\u2019s operations on the community and environment when exercising their duties. It also requires certain companies to provide information regarding environmental matters and social, community and human rights issues within their annual reports.<\/p>
The Government\u2019s future plans to encourage companies to consider the impact of environmental, social and governance issues are set out in Mobilising Green Investment -<\/em> 2023 Green Finance Strategy<\/em>. This includes the Government\u2019s plans to assess the suitability of the standards that were recently published by the International Sustainability Standards Board for use in the UK.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4931", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Offord of Garvel"}
}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Offord of Garvel"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-02-19", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-02-19T14:00:03.537Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "214"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business and Trade"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business and Trade"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-02-05", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Business: Accountability"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask His Majesty's Government what their policy is towards promoting environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles among UK companies.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1744", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Viscount Waverley"}
}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Viscount Waverley"}
], "uin" : "HL2213"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1687692", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Business and Trade"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1687692/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " Reporting on ESG matters provides transparency to investors and other stakeholders, improving investment decisions. In particular, the Government supports the work of the International Sustainability Standards Board, which aims to align sustainability reporting globally, enabling investors compare investment decisions across markets.<\/p> The Government believes that a mix of voluntary and mandatory reporting provides the right balance between transparency and reducing burdens on companies. Further detail on the Government\u2019s future plans is provided by Mobilising Green Investment - 2023 Green Finance Strategy<\/em>.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4931", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Offord of Garvel"}
}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Offord of Garvel"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-02-19", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-02-19T14:54:26.983Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "214"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business and Trade"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business and Trade"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-02-05", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Business: Accountability"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to make environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting mandatory by UK companies.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1744", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Viscount Waverley"}
}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Viscount Waverley"}
], "uin" : "HL2214"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1687693", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Business and Trade"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1687693/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The Government\u2019s plans regarding company reporting on environmental, social and governance matters are set out in Mobilising Green Investment \u2013 2023 Green Finance Strategy<\/em> (March 2023). These plans differ from the European Union\u2019s (EU) plans in several areas. Specifically, the UK will not adopt the European Sustainability Reporting Standards. Instead, the UK Government has stated its support for the International Sustainability Disclosure Standards and we are currently assessing the suitability for UK companies of the first two standards that have been issued by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4931", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Offord of Garvel"}
}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Offord of Garvel"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-02-19", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-02-19T13:35:41.097Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "214"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business and Trade"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business and Trade"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-02-05", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Business: Accountability"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask His Majesty's Government whether their approach regarding environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria differs from that of the European Union and, if so, in which areas.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1744", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Viscount Waverley"}
}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Viscount Waverley"}
], "uin" : "HL2215"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1686980", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Business and Trade"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1686980/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The Chancellor announced in the 2023 Autumn Statement business rates support worth £4.3 billion over the next 5 years, including an extension of the 75 per cent relief for retail properties \u2013 a £2.4bn tax cut building on the previous £3.7 billion worth of business rates relief and nearly £8 billion of energy support in 2021 and 2022, along with £16bn business rates support throughout Covid-19. We\u2019re also working with the British Beauty Council and others on improving the sector's talent pipeline.<\/p> <\/p> Overall, the sector is growing. The number of businesses in the sector in 2023 are 17% above 2017 levels[1], while output increased 1.1% in 2022 compared with 2021.[2]<\/p> <\/p> [1] ONS - UK business: activity, size and location, 2023. Statistics relate to SIC 9602.<\/p> [2] ONS - GDP output approach \u2013 low-level aggregates, December 2023.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4474", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Kevin Hollinrake"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Thirsk and Malton"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Kevin Hollinrake"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-02-12", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-02-12T16:44:49.82Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "214"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business and Trade"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business and Trade"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-02-02", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Personal Care Services"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent steps she has taken to support the hairdressing, barbering, and beauty sector.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4788", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Fleur Anderson"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Putney"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Fleur Anderson"}
], "uin" : "12868"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1687009", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Business and Trade"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1687009/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " We will introduce primary legislation within a few weeks to quash convictions arising from the Horizon scandal.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4474", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Kevin Hollinrake"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Thirsk and Malton"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Kevin Hollinrake"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-02-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-02-07T14:55:10.6Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "214"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business and Trade"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business and Trade"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-02-02", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Horizon IT System: Convictions"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, when she plans to bring forward legislative proposals for overturning the convictions of subpostmasters.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1171", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Liam Byrne"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Birmingham, Hodge Hill"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Liam Byrne"}
], "uin" : "12790"}
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