To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what recent assessment he has made of levels of entrepreneurship culture in the UK fashion industry; what steps he plans to take to increase entrepreneurial activity in other industries; and if he will make a statement. (260326)

I have been asked to reply.

The Creative Economy Programme looked at these issues for all the creative industries, including designer fashion. As a result we are:

supporting the expansion of apprenticeships in the fashion industry through the Creative Economy Programme;

supporting the creation of a Couture Academy to address critical skills shortage areas;

funding the Centre for Fashion Enterprise to explore the feasibility of a hub to allow small designers to access competitively priced and high quality manufacturing.

The Government remain committed to making the UK the best place in the world to start and grow a business.

The UK business environment is recognised as among the best in the world, in particular:

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says UK has lowest barriers to entrepreneurship of all OECD countries.

The World Bank ranks the UK second in Europe, and puts the UK in top 10 globally (out of 181 countries) in terms of ease of doing business.

Solutions for Business, the Government’s streamlined portfolio of publicly-funded business support products and services, delivered via Business Link:

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk

provides comprehensive assistance to help companies start, grow and succeed.