Sir David Amess MP has welcomed Government measures to support small and medium business across the country, and the opportunities offered to both existing businesses and new entrepreneurs in Southend West.

Since 2012, the Government’s Start-Up Loans initiative has delivered more than 57,000 loans across the UK, lending over £436 million and contributing to the creation of more than 56,000 jobs. In Southend West, 58 loans worth half a million have been made to businesses. This scheme has been particularly successful in reaching groups who may find it harder to access finance from commercial lenders. Building on its previous success, the Government have announced a boost to the initiative and commitment to reaching more than 75,000 businesses by 2022.

The Government-owned British Business Bank, which has supported around £5.2 billion to UK businesses, have recently launched an online Finance Hub to help entrepreneurs identify and access the right type of finance. Further information can be found at www.british-business-bank.co.uk/finance-hub/

Britain’s 5.7 million small and medium enterprises are the backbone of the economy, accounting for 60% of employment in the private sector. Sir David has welcomed the Government’s support of SMEs, ensuring that businesses in Southend have access to the finance they need to fulfil their growth potential and making the UK the best place in the world to start and grow a business.