Small businesses "welcome" Sir Alan Sugar as enterprise champion

Date: 8th June 2009

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed the appointment of Sir Alan Sugar as the government's enterprise champion.

Sir Alan will act as a mediator between small businesses and high street banks with the aim of restoring trust, confidence and most significantly, lending.

The government's decision to appoint the well-respected businessman comes after an FSB campaign for such a position to be created.

John Wright, FSB national chairman, said: "We welcome Sir Alan to his new role and are very pleased the government has heard our concerns over bank lending."

He added: "His no-nonsense approach should help compel the banks to lend fairly to viable small firms."

The businessman's appointment has led to calls from members of the Conservative party for him to step down from his popular TV show The Apprentice, citing a conflict of interest. Sir Alan is in discussions with the BBC over the issue.