Partner Article

Businesses condemn cabinet reshuffle

A business lobby group has accused the government of putting its progress on the Enterprise Framework in jeopardy, after a cabinet reshuffle removed Stephen Timms from his role as competitiveness minister.

The reshuffle, which followed the resignation of work and pensions secretary Peter Hain, saw Baroness Shriti Vadera, previously an investment banker, appointed to Timms’ former role.

Matthew Goodman, the FPB’s policy representative, urged Baroness Vadera to keep Timms’ promise to give small businesses a significant role in implementing the new Enterprise Framework, which will encourage small firms to grow into larger businesses.

Mr Goodman, said: “Stephen Timms’ departure has put the Government’s progress on the Enterprise Framework in jeopardy. The danger is that, with this shift in personnel, the small-business agenda may be pushed further toward the margins at a time when it desperately needs to be centre stage.”

Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, the Rt Hon John Hutton MP, said: “Shriti Vadera’s background in the City and at the Treasury is good news for the Department’s engagement with business. She will be a valuable addition to the Ministerial team and a strong advocate within Government for the needs of enterprise.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .