This is an interesting point, .
I don't know much about the East London project, but I do have views on the general concept of government subsidy to businesses. I've never dared say this in the forum before for fear of being branded a heretic and threatened with being tarred and feather, but what the heck ....
This isn't a political point. I definitely don't have right-wing views, but I do feel that it's a mistake to have too much government assistance to businesses (small, medium or whatever size). Businesses should stand or fall on their own merits. Subsidies should not be a substitute for efficiency or for the quality of the firm's products or services.
If government assistance was substantially reduced, many firms would go bust, and many others would never get started. But the ones that survive and flourish would be the efficient ones - the ones that offer the right product at the right price, that can attract and retain skilled staff, and so on. The result would be that business in general would be more efficient, to the benefit of all.
OK, I'll leave it at that for now, and take cover while the onslaught begins.
Mike
