FSB reaches out to new Government

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called on the new Conservative Government to deliver the best conditions to help SMEs thrive during the next five years.

In its first survey since the General Election, the FSB outlined ten key priorities to allow its members to thrive.

The survey of 2,327 small business owners showed that more than a third (35 per cent) of firms list a sustained economic recovery as their top priority for the new Government.

Other important priorities for start-ups and SMEs include lowering the cost of doing business and guaranteeing growth and prosperity in every corner of the UK – not just London and the South East of England.

More than half (53 per cent) of FSB members surveyed said they want ministers to minimise the regulatory burden on small businesses, with a simplification of the UK tax system ranking a close second at 51 per cent.

Business owners were also clear that reforming business rates and improving the employability of talented youngsters were equally important benchmarks for government in the next five years.

Mike Cherry, national policy chairman, FSB, said: “This response from FSB members shows first and foremost businesses want stability and certainty.

“This require putting public finances on a sound footing, and then for Ministers to give a comprehensive vision for how they will support enterprise followed by a clear timetable for when they will deliver it.

“Today’s wide ranging research sends a very clear message on what small businesses want from the new Government – a supportive, light touch tax and regulatory environment in which to grow their business, creating prosperity and jobs.

“Over the five years of this Parliament, our member’s top priorities are to lighten the burdens of regulation and tax, reform broken business rates, support the development and skills of young people, and improve broadband and mobile connectivity.

“We look forward to meeting with Ministers to discuss how we can help make this happen and continue to foster the economic conditions which allow enterprise to flourish.”

Top 10 issues FSB members want the new Government to focus on

• Reduce regulatory burden (53 per cent)
• Introduce a more simplified tax system (51 per cent)
• Reform business rates (44 per cent)
• Improve the employability skills of young people (41 per cent)
• Deliver improved broadband / mobile connectivity (39 per cent)
• Help UK small businesses to create more jobs (34 per cent)
• Tackle late payments (33 per cent)
• Lower energy costs for businesses (30 per cent)
• Ensure better access to finance (28 per cent)
• Increase investment in infrastructure (26 per cent)

Image: Number 10

Date published 13 May 2015 | Last updated 13 May 2015