Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Business Start-ups

Wednesday 15 May 2024 · 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 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government have worked to advance equality of access to start-up opportunities, irrespective of social background or race.
  • The Government do not support segregationist activities and believe everyone should be treated equally under the law.
  • All Government access programmes are available to all, regardless of ethnicity.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Business & Trade Women & Equalities
Context

The MP is concerned about the underrepresentation of Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities in business start-ups despite government efforts to promote equality.

Question

I am concerned about the steps we are taking with Cabinet colleagues to encourage more people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to start up a business. What specific actions are being taken?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

The Government have worked to advance equality of access to start-up opportunities, irrespective of social background or race. We have a range of business support programmes and Government-backed financial support through Help to Grow: Management, growth hubs and the British Business Bank. The success of our endeavours can be seen in 2023 data showing that 44% of the 30,000 people helped by the business support helpline were from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps to address the perception issue faced by the Somali community in Bristol

How: We Believe That We Must Treat People Equally Under The Law, All Of Our Access Programmes Are Available Irrespective Of Ethnicity

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Q2 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Business & Trade Women & Equalities
Context

The MP highlights a perception issue faced by the Somali community in Bristol, who feel expected to run businesses that cater only to their own community rather than integrate into mainstream business activities.

Question

I thank the Minister for that response, although I found it difficult to hear. In Bristol, there is a thriving and entrepreneurial Somali community, but they face an expectation to set up businesses serving just their community. What is the Equalities department doing to ensure these individuals can break through into mainstream regeneration efforts?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

It is interesting that some people have a perception of staying in their lane. This Government do not support segregationist activities and believe everyone should be treated equally under the law. All our access programmes are available to all, regardless of ethnicity. The Start Up Loans Company reported 42 start-up loans issued for £315,000 to ethnic minority-led businesses in Bristol East.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Addressing the specific issue of community-based business expectations for Somali entrepreneurs

How: This Government Do Not Support Any Sort Of Activity That Is Segregationist, People Should Be Encouraged To Serve The Entire Community

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