(BERR) Real help with lending and advice for local businesses

Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Stephen Timms MP today urged local companies to take advantage of Government-backed support on offer to help them through the economic downturn, at the first regional lending roadshow in London today.

Mr Timms said Government action was increasing lending available from the banks and easing cash flow pressures by allowing businesses to delay payment of taxes and business rates.

The London roadshow brings together Government Ministers, representatives from the banks, small business owners and experts from the Business Link advice service.

Businesses will be able to raise lending issues affecting their companies and will be given information and advice on sources of additional lending and support from the banks and Business Link advisers.

Financial Secretary, Stephen Timms MP said:

"Today's meeting is the first in a series of lending road shows across England aimed at bringing banks and businesses together to improve understanding of the pressures on business, and the support banks are able to provide.

"As MP for a London constituency I know that many local businesses are feeling the pressure, as cash flow has become tighter and access to credit has been squeezed.

"The government understands the vital contribution London's businesses make to the region and to the UK economy as a whole. That's why we have taken decisive action to get credit flowing again and why it's crucial that businesses understand what support is available to them from banks and the government, and how they can access it."

Today's meeting is the first in a series of lending road shows across England including events in Salford on 14 April and Milton Keynes on April 21.