Small business community should be a 'focal point' of next Budget, say FSB

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has urged Chancellor George Osborne to make the small business community a primary consideration ahead of his eagerly-awaited Budget later this month.
 
Access to finance and a simplification of the UK’s tax system are two topics high on the agenda of the FSB, that believes by creating a larger budget for small firms, the government will create new opportunities for investment and growth and job creation.
 
In Kent, in particular, the FSB has made a case for fresh incentives for firms to take on new staff in the South East, while the Chancellor has been urged to launch a fresh review of how enterprise support is delivered through central and local government to “ensure support is focused and effective”.
 
Roger House, FSB chairman for Kent and Medway, said: "With the economy only growing a fraction in 2012, the Chancellor must deliver a Budget that is unashamedly focused on boosting small business.
 
"Our figures show that confidence is rising among Kent’s small business owners, but there is still caution.
 
"And, even though unemployment has fallen considerably, consumer confidence to spend and boost the economy is far from sufficient."
 
Last week, Business Minister, Michael Fallon promised to double efforts to reduce unnecessary red tape, improving efficiency and thereby stimulating growth in the wider economy.
 
Fallon also revealed the government would be applying new pressure on EU officials in Brussels over the next few months to encourage the European Union to follow suit.


Image: Du Tran

Date published 4 Mar 2013 | Last updated 4 Mar 2013