The Government has pledged to pay small firms’ bills in 10 days as part of a package designed to revive the stalling economy.

Firms in Kent will be given details about the package, which will also include help with skills training, later today. (21)

John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, told Kent Online that that the Government was determined to do everything that was necessary and practical to help firms and businesses through the current difficulties.

He hoped the Government’s example of paying small firms’ bills within 10 days would send a signal to other customers. Many larger businesses delay payment for up to 90 days, causing huge cashflow problems for small firms.

Mr Denham said: "The message we would put out to these bigger private sector companies is: "remember none of you can operate without suppliers and there is no point in acting in a way which means the people who give you a good service at the moment are not there in six months’ time."

The package will include £350 million in funding for training and investment. Mr Denham said there would be more flexible skills training for small business.

The Government would be talking to employers to find out what skills they needed and the unemployed would be directed and encouraged towards those jobs.

"If you in Kent have got jobs in the economy that cannot be filled, we need to make sure those people who are on the labour market are re-trained, re-directed and send in their direction and we don’t allow people to be on benefit which is the worst thing for them and the taxpayer."

He said Kent has a diverse econony which was "the best place to be." The MP for Southampton Itchen added:

"We’ve got a lot of advantages and we need to play to our strengths."

Meanwhile, the Conservatives are also focusing on small business, with leader David Cameron calling for a six-month VAT holiday for small firms and a 1p cut in national insurance.