Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Support for Entrepreneurs

Thursday 12 June 2025 · 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

  • Mr Richard Quigley raised concerns about unreliable cross-Solent transport hindering entrepreneurs on the Isle of Wight.
  • The Minister acknowledged the potential of entrepreneurs on the Isle of Wight and the department's commitment to supporting them.
  • John Slinger highlighted Rugby's industrial heritage and its prospects for future business and industrial growth.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Richard Quigley Lab Isle of Wight West
Transport Business & Trade
Context

The question addresses concerns about unreliable cross-Solent transport affecting businesses on the Isle of Wight, specifically mentioning that some local businesses are considering leaving the island due to lack of a dependable supply chain link.

Question

I thank the Minister for his response. I have seen at first hand his commitment to supporting Britain’s entrepreneurial spirit, but I worry that on the Isle of Wight unreliable cross-Solent transport is holding back entrepreneurs. Local businesses do not lack ambition; they lack a dependable link to their supply chains. Some are even considering leaving the island. Will the Minister meet me to discuss a long-term solution to cross-Solent travel that supports, rather than punishes, island businesses?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)

I welcome my hon. Friend’s commitment to championing entrepreneurs on the Isle of Wight. We know that there is huge untapped potential in the entrepreneurial talent across the UK, and we are determined to do even more to unlock it, including on the Isle of Wight. As he will know, the Department for Transport, which leads on cross-Solent travel, has been clear that ferry services to and from the Isle of Wight are vital for islanders and for business. I know he has already had some contact with ministerial colleagues at the Department for Transport to discuss these issues, but if he thinks I can be helpful, I will be happy to meet him.

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Q2 John Slinger Lab Rugby
Economy Business & Trade
Context

The question pertains to the support provided by the government to entrepreneurship incubators in towns such as Rugby, which has a proud industrial heritage and an exciting present.

Question

Towns like Rugby have a proud industrial heritage and an exciting present, and we are building a dynamic and sustainable business and industrial future. It was very welcome that the Chancellor revised the Green Book to make sure that investment and economic growth are spread more fairly across the country, beyond the major city regions. Can my hon. Friend set out what support may be available for towns like Rugby to attract and encourage people to start and grow their own businesses—for example, entrepreneurship hubs in towns rather than cities, so that they can play a role, and targeted tax reliefs for firms setting up in places like Rugby?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)

I welcome my hon. Friend’s commitment to championing entrepreneurs in his constituency. He may know that we already have some 41 growth hubs across England, including the Coventry and Warwickshire growth hub, which provides a bespoke service for first-time entrepreneurs, tailored advice and support to start-ups and those wanting to scale up a business. We are determined to do more to help entrepreneurs and will set out our plans in our SME strategy, which is due to be published relatively shortly.

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