To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what recent steps his Department has taken to assist the retail industry in Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency; and if he will make a statement. (274087)

The Government have launched the “Real Help Now” initiative to assist businesses through the downturn. This is a new service providing employers and individuals with easy access to free advice and support. In the North East the campaign “Real help for Businesses and People Now” aims to highlight the funds and finance made available by One North East, Business Link, Learning and Skills Council, Jobcentre Plus and the Government office for the North East.

The regional development agency, One North East is supporting businesses and business sectors across the region. Information and support on the Real Help Now initiative can be accessed in the Middlesbrough, South and East Cleveland area via Business Link. Latest figures for 2008-09 show that 102 retails businesses were supported by Business Link across the NE region, unfortunately data is not available for individual constituencies.