Asked by: Tom Hunt (Conservative - Ipswich)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she has made a recent assessment of the adequacy of the application process for grants from Innovate UK; and if she will take steps to help ensure that small businesses are not disadvantaged in that application process.
Answered by Andrew Griffith - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
Innovate UK (IUK) offers extensive support services and funding opportunities for businesses of all sizes, including micro and SMEs. In 22/23 it supported 3,000 SMEs with grants, a 47% increase from 2020.
IUK’s processes meet Cabinet Office Grant Standards, and are audited internally and externally to ensure they are fair and robust. IUK recently published a Declaration to Support Businesses to Grow and Scale setting out how it is refining its approach to supporting businesses. This included pledging to halve the average time to process grant applications.
Asked by: Tom Hunt (Conservative - Ipswich)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential economic benefits of extending 5G coverage to businesses in Ipswich.
Answered by Paul Scully
Ofcom reports on 5G coverage in its Connected Nations reports, but this is not currently available on a constituency or local authority basis. According to Ofcom, (basic) ‘non-standalone’ 5G is available with a high degree of confidence from at least one mobile network operator outside 77% of UK premises.
5G connectivity can potentially provide significant economic benefits to businesses across the UK, and our forthcoming Wireless Infrastructure Strategy will articulate a clear vision for how advanced wireless infrastructure, including 5G, can become an integral part of the fabric of the UK's economy and society.
Asked by: Tom Hunt (Conservative - Ipswich)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to extend 5G coverage in Ipswich.
Answered by Paul Scully
Ofcom reports on 5G coverage in its Connected Nations reports, but this is not currently available on a constituency or local authority basis. According to Ofcom, (basic) ‘non-standalone’ 5G is available with a high degree of confidence from at least one mobile network operator outside 77% of UK premises.
5G connectivity can potentially provide significant economic benefits to businesses across the UK, and our forthcoming Wireless Infrastructure Strategy will articulate a clear vision for how advanced wireless infrastructure, including 5G, can become an integral part of the fabric of the UK's economy and society.