Businesses asked for their views on access to finance

17 June 2009

The government wants to hear from SMEs about the difficulties they are facing when it comes to securing growth capital.

The evidence will be used as part of a major review that will decide whether government intervention is needed to make sure that adequate finance is available to help to fuel the recovery from recession.

History suggests that the period immediately following a recession generally proves the most problematic for SMEs seeking to raise long-term growth finance.

Lord Mandelson, the Business Secretary, said: “Small businesses will play an important role in the recovery of the British economy. These businesses now have the opportunity to contribute to our thinking on the frameworks we will need to put in place for a competitive, thriving market.”

Christopher Rowlands, who is leading the review, added: “We are keen to hear directly from businesses to ensure our recommendations reflect their needs in an appropriate way.”

Businesses can offer views and evidence until 17 July.

The review forms one of the measures in the government’s ‘New Industry, New Jobs’ strategic plan for the recovery of the UK economy,

Businesses that wish to contribute can visit the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills website at http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file51817.doc.