Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Female Entrepreneurship

Wednesday 17 June 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Craig Tracey highlighted the importance of increasing female entrepreneurship and mentioned working on women's business hubs with the British Library.
  • Elizabeth Truss praised Craig Tracey's work and noted that growth hubs, mentoring schemes, and investment opportunities are available to support female entrepreneurs.
  • Caroline Nokes inquired about specific discussions within Government to ensure childcare availability for women starting their own businesses or returning to work.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Craig Tracey Con North Warwickshire
Business & Trade Women & Equalities
Context

The Government's Rose review indicated that £250 billion of new value could be added to the UK economy if women started and scaled businesses at the same rate as men.

Question

Craig Tracey highlighted the importance of increasing female entrepreneurship, mentioning a set of women's business hubs he is working on with the British Library. He asked what further steps can be taken to support female entrepreneurs in the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.

Answer from The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Elizabeth Truss

Elizabeth Truss praised Craig Tracey's work with the all-party group on women and enterprise. She highlighted that growth hubs are available nationwide and mentioned mentoring schemes and investment availability to support start-up businesses across the UK.

Answered
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Q2 Caroline Nokes Con Taunton Deane
Employment Children & Families
Context

The Women and Equalities Committee Chair Caroline Nokes recognised the importance of female entrepreneurship in the post-COVID-19 recovery but highlighted the necessity of reliable, accessible childcare to enable women to start businesses or return to work.

Question

Caroline Nokes asked what specific discussions are being held across Government to ensure that childcare is available for women who want to start their own businesses or return to work. She acknowledged challenges related to social distancing and school operating hours.

Answer from The Minister for Women and Equalities Elizabeth Truss

Elizabeth Truss emphasised the importance of childcare and noted that flexible working practices should be maintained post-COVID-19. She mentioned over 90% of nursery schools and colleges were open on June 4th, adding she is collaborating closely with Education Ministers to reform childcare policies.

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