SMEs hold the key to Yorkshire’s revival – The Yorkshire Post says

It is not that straightforward. For, while the distribution of the ‘Future Fund’ does appear to be unfair when population is used as the key determinant, the Opposition’s own figures also show that the number of applications approved for funding is comparable.

The capital could also be the beneficiary because of greater awareness about the policy – and how funds can be accessed.

As such, the response to the figures, published by Shadow Business Secretary Ed Miliband, needs to be far more nuanced than a party political critique of the Government’s record towards SMEs.

It needs to explore the reasons why far fewer start-up companies in the North chose to take advantage of the policy – do the combined authorities and LEPs need to be offering more practical assistance to businesses? – and how best to help these fledgling ventures to get back on their feet.

This newspaper has previously suggested that the role of Small Business Minister needs to be far more high-profile if starts-ups and SMEs are to underpin the country’s national recovery.

Today’s research would appear, at face value, to vindicate this call – and the urgent need for the focus of attention to switch from raw politics to practical policies so Yorkshire and the North can be at the forefront of the UK’s economic resurgence.

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you’ll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers. Click here to subscribe.