CBI: There is an untapped pool of business talent

Young, female and elderly entrepreneurs represent a "pool of talent that isn't being used", according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

The CBI says it supports the government's latest drive to support business growth and enterprise in the UK and has particularly welcomed the initiatives aimed at promoting entrepreneurship among women.

CBI policy advisor Jo Hensher commented: "The strategy is a really significant opportunity for the government to demonstrate its commitment to enterprise. It's promising, it's a good initial set of measures … we welcome the focus on looking for entrepreneurs where they don't typically exist."

Measures such as business mentoring will be particularly useful, Ms Hensher says; however, she adds that it is equally important for the government to get the business "basics" right, such as taxation, access to finance for entrepreneurs and regulation.

A study by the Small Business Research Trust, found that around 42 per cent small companies in the UK had experienced growth in the last year.

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