High Peak Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrats demand rethink of Business Growth Service closure

The Government must urgently reconsider its decision to close Business Growth Service, the Liberal Democrats have said. The call comes ahead of Small Business Saturday on 5th December.

Concerns have been raised about the closure of the Manufacturing Advisory service - whose website still boasts that 97% of previous customers say that the service was good value for money and time investment. The services were set up by Vince Cable during the Coalition Government and formed a key part of the Industrial Strategy.

Liberal Democrat MP, Greg Mulholland and Liberal Democrat Business spokeswoman Baroness Lorely Burt have written to the Business Secretary calling for the decision to be reversed.

They said the decision to close the popular services - something George Osborne failed in mention in his Autumn Statement- undermines businesses and Parliament has been so far given no opportunity to debate the matter.

Commenting, Greg Mulholland MP said:

"It is utterly disgraceful that the Government has chosen to shut down Business Growth Service to make short term savings.

"What is even more disgraceful is their attempt to sneak the decision through, without proper debate. The Chancellor claimed he wanted to continue the Industrial Strategy, but he is doing the absolute opposite.

"Closing these services is bad for business, bad for growth, and bad for the credibility of the Government's claims to support manufacturing."

Lorely Burt added:

"The Manufacturing Advisory Service was a great asset to businesses, and an important part of the Industrial Strategy set up by Vince Cable.

"Sadly we now have Business Secretary who is more interested in offering up cuts to the Chancellor than supporting businesses to grow.

• Display: Accessible
• Switch to: Desktop (requires cookies)

• My Account.
• Privacy Policy.
• Other Party Sites.