Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effect that Brexit will have on start-ups' and small businesses' capability for business planning; and what steps, if any, they are taking to help such businesses through that process.

As part of our preparations to leave the EU, BEIS runs an active programme of SME engagement.

We regularly meet with SMEs and their representative bodies up and down the country, and abroad, to deepen our understanding of the views of small businesses owners and how Government may be placed to respond. We will continue to ensure government listens to the important voice of small and medium sized business.

Our network of 38 Growth Hubs across England is providing access to information and advice to SMEs.