"I completely agree. Companies can help each other, particularly within the supply chain, but today’s debate is primarily about the Government’s role in helping to support businesses, both large and small.
The Government can help smaller enterprises that are seeking to expand and start-ups that need very basic advice on …..." John Stevenson - View Speech
"I do not disagree. The improvement in the view of apprenticeships is helping enormously, because people now view apprenticeships as a serious career choice, rather than people always going off to university.
We need to move to a more balanced economy so that we become a balanced country in which …..." John Stevenson - View Speech
"Yes, I agree. Ultimately, we want to see all sectors of the economy grow, and they are all interlinked. Clearly, if manufacturing improves, the services side will also benefit. The reverse does not always work in quite the same way; there is a greater benefit for services when manufacturing succeeds.
"The right hon. Gentleman makes a valid point. I assumed that many people would raise the question of lending, so I have specifically avoided it, but it is good that he has raised the issue.
My simple conclusion is that, if our economy is to rebalance and grow, and if …..." John Stevenson - View Speech
"My hon. Friend makes a valid point. People sometimes forget that in manufacturing there are many highly paid jobs—it is not a low-wage sector, as many think.
There are already signs that our economy is beginning to recover and that manufacturing is playing its part. In the food and drinks …..." John Stevenson - View Speech
"I completely agree. The hon. Gentleman and I, as fellow Cumbrians, agree that our local council does not do enough to support businesses locally or to take a proactive stance in Cumbria.
Is local government up to the job? What support or direction is it getting from central Government to …..." John Stevenson - View Speech
"I agree with my hon. Friend. It is sensible for businesses fortunate enough to have a local university to engage with it. It will be interesting to hear the Government’s view of local enterprise partnerships taking on the role of helping small businesses in particular in their localities.
"T5. I, like many, welcome the substantial increase in apprenticeships. However, it is equally important to encourage as many employers as possible to take on apprentices. Does the Minister agree that giving employers a national insurance holiday during the period of an employee’s apprenticeship would encourage more employers?..." John Stevenson - View Speech
"Does the Minister agree that one way to create jobs and promote job creation is for cities to embrace the concept of elected mayors and would he encourage the Scottish Executive to do so?..." John Stevenson - View Speech