This will build on the work that the Bank has been doing over the past seven years on finance for small firms in general. As the Prime Minister stated in his New Year message, our goal is to create a nation where fairness and enterprise go together. The choice posed in 20th Century politics between economic competence on the one hand and social justice on the other needs to be consigned to the history books of the last Century, not carried over into this new one. That is why, building on the measures in the Pre-Budget Report, the Government will be supporting the National Campaign for Enterprise in Spring this year. The campaign will help to create a more entrepreneurial culture across the UK by transforming attitudes, developing skills and encouraging the formation of new and successful enterprises.
Enterprise is vital force against social exclusion.
It provides jobs and services in places that lack both - that alone is very important. But it also helps to build self-confidence, independence and pride in the lives of local communities and the individuals who live there. Key Loan Fund has the potential to achieve a great deal, not only for businesses across Birmingham that obtain funding through it, but also for the individuals and communities touched by the businesses. I wish ART every success with the Fund. Thank you for the opportunity to join you today.