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.
The Forum of Private Business (FPB) said the move could push the government’s small business agenda further toward the margins at a time when it ‘desperately needs to be centre stage’.
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.
He added that the Small Business Forum, introduced as part of the framework, had provided some measure of relief for small business owners frustrated by a lack of contact with the government, but it was up to Vadera to bring about more positive change.
Secretary of state for business, enterprise and regulatory reform, John Hutton, welcomed Vadera’s ‘skills and experience’.
“Shriti Vadera’s background in the City and at the Treasury is good news for the department’s engagement with business,” he said.
“She will be a valuable addition to the ministerial team and a strong advocate within government for the needs of enterprise.”
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2008
