Britain’s small businesses want to see a strong economy and the regulatory burden reduced.
In the first survey of small business owners since the 2015 General Election, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) reveals results from 2,327 small firms. The FSB research found 35% of the businesses questioned wanted a sustained economic recovery.
Other priorities were lowering the cost of doing business and ensuring growth in every nation and region of the UK, not just London and the south east.
Top ten issues small businesses want new Government to focus on in next five years:
- Reduce regulatory burden (53%)
- Introduce a more simplified tax system (51%)
- Reform business rates (44%)
- Improve the employability skills of young people (41%)
- Deliver improved broadband / mobile connectivity (39%)
- Help UK small businesses to create more jobs (34%)
- Tackle late payments (33%)
- Lower energy costs for businesses (30%)
- Ensure better access to finance (28%)
- Increase investment in infrastructure (26%)
Mike Cherry, FSB National Policy Chairman, said:
“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.”
See further details on what FSB would like from the 2015-20 Government at www.ibacksmallbusiness.com/