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Responding to the Downturn and Planning the Future Economy

I think that it is about 1 per cent., but I will have to get back to the hon. Gentleman on that. Before 2007, the region had seen seven consecutive years of growth faster than the European average, more than 200,000 new jobs had been created and nearly 24,000 new businesses had been set up. As I said, our region was never going to be immune from the global downturn, but we have tried to introduce measures nationally and regionally to help individuals and businesses through these difficult times. Free financial health checks funded by Yorkshire Forward through Business Link have helped more than 8,000 businesses benefit from financial advice since last October. Business Link Yorkshire is receiving 5,000 calls a week from businesses seeking help and advice.