Written question asked by Alan Duncan (Conservative) on Wednesday, 17 January 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 January 2007. It was answered by Baroness Hodge of Barking (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 April 2007 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Small Business Service

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps the Small Business Service has taken to place more emphasis on cross-governmental working since the Government’s Cross Cutting Review of Government Services for Small Business in 2002.

Answer: [holding answer 22 January 2007]: The Small Business Service works across Government to support small businesses and encourage enterprise. Following the Cross-Cutting Review of Government Services for Small Business the Small Business Service:"established senior-level cross-Whitehall officials’ groups dealing with a range of priority areas e.g.: business support simplification, regulation, frontline and on-line small businesses services;""identified Ministers to act as champions in every Government Department. So for instance, this month I have written to colleagues seeking their support in promoting November’s Enterprise Week."

Secondary information