Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Bilimoria (Crossbench). It was answered on Wednesday, 28 January 2026.

UK Start-up Companies

Question: My Lords, I am a member of the expert advisory council of the Government’s Help to Grow: Management scheme set up by Rishi Sunak when he was Chancellor, which this Government have happily continued. Some 10,000 businesses have graduated from this, but is the Minister aware that only businesses with five to 249 employees are eligible for the scheme? Micro-businesses, including start-ups, which make up 90% of SMEs in this country have fewer than five employees and so are not eligible for this programme. Will the Government consider expanding this very successful programme to include micro-businesses?

Answer: I am happy to take away that question and consult with colleagues on it. The noble Lord is right that businesses of all sizes make up the huge vibrancy of our economy and we must think about the right intervention from government and the private sector to help them to grow.

Secondary information