UK entrepreneurs to receive fresh voice in Parliament

Sajid Javid, secretary of state for business, innovation and skills, has confirmed the launch of a new All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Entrepreneurship, giving the UK’s small business community a fresh voice in Parliament.

The APPG for Entrepreneurship will focus on key small business issues, notably tax, regulation and skills.

“The APPG for Entrepreneurship … will make sure the voice of entrepreneurs is heard loud and clear in Parliament,” said Javid.

“I want to make Britain the best place to start and grow a business by backing entrepreneurs to drive forward our economy.”

Alan Mak MP, chair of the APPG for Entrepreneurship, believes the move will help greatly in bridging the gap between Westminster Policymakers and owner-managed businesses across the UK.

“Economic growth driven by innovation, exports and educational excellence is at the top of the government’s agenda,” said Mak.

“The new Entrepreneurship APPG will be a key bridge between Westminster policymakers and entrepreneurs across Britain.

“Britain is in a global race for success and we need to get to the future first. Our entrepreneurs play a vital role and I’m confident that our new parliamentary group can provide them with the backing – and strong voice – they deserve, in Westminster and beyond.”

A recent survey from The Entrepreneurs Network – the secretariat for the APPG – suggests that tax reform remains top of the agenda for entrepreneurs with 85 per cent saying that lowering taxes would have a positive impact. Meanwhile 79 per cent and 78 per cent favoured cutting personal taxes and red tape respectively.

Philip Salter, founder, The Entrepreneurs Network, said: “It’s time for politicians across the Houses of Parliament to get stuck into the policies that will make a real and lasting difference.”

Date published 16 Jun 2016 | Last updated 16 Jun 2016