Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas is backing a campaign in Parliament today to create a dedicated ombudsman to champion small businesses within Government (1).

The proposed new Small Business Administration would promote regulation to support small businesses, provide advice to anyone wishing to set up a new enterprise, and improve access to finance for small businesses.

Caroline said: "Independent and small businesses are the life blood of our local economy, with more than 86% of Brighton and Hove businesses employing fewer than 11 people.

"So I'm pleased to be co-sponsoring this campaign today calling on the Government to do more to encourage our smaller enterprises.

"A new small business administration would act as an independent champion for small businesses in Government, creating the right environment for entrepreneurship to flourish, bringing in small business-friendly policies and working with small firms to assist their export potential.

"This city can be proud of its strong entrepreneurial record and high levels of business start-ups, but at a time when unemployment is rising and the public sector is facing cuts, we now need the Government to show far stronger levels of support for our small business community."

ENDS

Notes for Editors

1) Caroline is co-sponsoring a Ten-minute Rule Motion by Roger Williams MP on establishing a small business administration, and is also backing an Early Day Motion on the issue.