Female-led Businesses 2023-07-12
2023-07-12
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from a need to address underrepresentation of women in business leadership roles and the importance of increasing female entrepreneurship.
What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help increase the number of female-led businesses. I am working to support UK female entrepreneurs, harnessing their skills and innovation. However, we are yet to see concrete actions or specific initiatives that will significantly impact the number of female-led businesses.
I am working with Cabinet colleagues to harness the skills, innovation and talent of UK female entrepreneurs. We launched a women-led high-growth enterprise taskforce building on the Rose review.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not specify concrete steps or initiatives being taken directly by the government.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Local successful businesses and supporting organisations in Anglesey have demonstrated success. The question aims to understand how the government is backing such initiatives to broaden their reach.
How are this Government supporting those organisations to broaden their reach and empower even more fabulous female entrepreneurs? We support successful local organisations like Medic 1, Beaumaris Artisan Market, Amlwch Artisan Studio, Beau's Tea Rooms, Make It Your Business, the British Library's Business and IP Centre, the Federation of Small Businesses Wales, and Small Business Saturday UK.
My hon. Friend mentions some successful initiatives we fully support across the UK. We spoke to the women and enterprise all-party group, discussing how Government investments and taskforces impact female entrepreneurs' lives and businesses.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide specific government actions supporting organisations mentioned by the questioner.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Pathways, commissioned by the Scottish Government, aims to include underrepresented groups in the business system. The question seeks UK government measures for similar inclusivity.
What steps are the UK Government taking to weave inclusivity through the business support system in a similar fashion to that in Scotland? We need initiatives like Pathways which encourage inclusivity and involve stakeholders such as enterprise agencies, the Scottish National Investment Bank, and private investors.
We believe businesses are best placed to do that themselves. We provide advice, guidance and support through initiatives like those led by the British Business Bank. However, if there is a specific gap we can address, I would be happy to hear about it.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not specify concrete steps or initiatives for inclusivity in the UK business support system.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The current representation of women in executive roles at FTSE 250 companies is low, indicating a need for intervention to increase gender diversity. The question demands a concrete plan from the government.
Does the Minister have a plan? Under the Conservatives, just 12% of executive directors of FTSE 250 companies are women—a gap that will not close until 2058 at the current rate. Women who want to go into business cannot wait for such slow progress; they need concrete actions like a review of the gender pay gap and a menopause action plan.
I am afraid that the shadow Front-Bench spokeswoman is confusing all sorts of different things. FTSE directors are not the ones who need support getting into the workplace. We have already completed a menopause action plan, while Labour Members just talk about bringing one in.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not address specific plans for increasing women's representation in FTSE companies but criticises the opposition instead.
Attacking The Questioner
Response accuracy