November 08 North West Matters
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Access to finance for small business

In response to the global financial crisis the Regional Minister is working with key regional partners to improve access to finance for small and medium sized enterprises.

 The Northwest Development Agency has already announced a package of measures which aims to support business and consumers in the North West. These measures include Improved Access to Finance Support, via Business Link, a £140m Venture Capital Loan Fund – including £70m of European funding – one of the first initiatives announced by the 2007-13 European Regional Development Fund Programme in 2009, a £40m package to stimulate business investment in skills; a new £10m High Growth business support/mentoring programme and a £4m Innovation Voucher Scheme.

 

 

 

Joint economic commission for the North West agrees actions on economic downturn
05, November 08
Regional Minister Beverley Hughes has announced seven actions to ensure that the North West emerges from the economic downturn stronger than before. >>>
Regional minister highlights importance of a skilled workforce as merseyside authorities sign 'skills pledge'
24, October 08
Minister for the North West Beverley Hughes has highlighted the importance of a better skilled workforce to the success of the North West economy. >>>
Regional Minister forms economic 'Supergroup'
23, October 08
Regional Minister Beverley Hughes is to bring together key players from the public and private sectors to fight the North West's corner during the economic downturn. >>>
Beverley Hughes attends first Council of Regional Ministers
16, October 08
Helping savers, small businesses and homeowners in the North West through the worldwide economic problems was top of the agenda at the first meeting of the Council of Regional Ministers today. >>>
New focus on the economy for North West Regional Minister Beverley Hughes
15, October 08
North West Regional Minister Beverley Hughes will play a leading role in the Regional Economic Council announced by the Prime Minister. >>>
New sustainable framework for homes and jobs in the North West
30, September 08
A new regional strategy that directs long-term housing and economic growth and environmental protection in the North West was announced by Communities Minister Baroness Andrews today. >>>
Highest number of new schools opening for thirty years
10, September 08
More than 180 new or refurbished schools are opening this term - the highest number for at least 30 years, including cutting-edge school buildings and academies. >>>
£200m support for Northwest businesses as tough economic climate continues to bite
04, September 08
Today the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) welcomed Treasury Ministers the Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP and the Rt Hon Jane Kennedy MP, Regional Minister Beverley Hughes, MP’s and 100 business... >>>
Dramatic Crime Reductions in the North West
17, July 07
Crime has fallen by 12 per cent in the North West over the last year, the largest overall reduction in crime in all the regions of England and Wales, new figures published today show. >>>

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Please send your feedback to Sarah Flynn at:

Government Office for the North West
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M1 4BE

0161 952 4037
regional.minister@gonw.gsi.gov.uk