Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to help increase economic growth in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire.

The Department for Business and Trade is supporting economic growth across the UK, including in Staffordshire and Newcastle-under-Lyme, through the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, championing free trade agreements (including the recently announced Free Trade Agreement with India), supporting businesses to grow and export, and securing inward investment.

In addition, the Small Business Plan includes a package of legislative reforms to tackle late payments; unlocking finance to support start-ups and scale ups; revitalising the High Street; and delivering support for Digital and AI Adoption. The new Business Growth Service makes it easier for SMEs to access the right support.