Small Business lobby group’s wish list for Cameron

COMMENTING on the result of last Thursday’s General Election, which ended with a narrow-majority win for the Conservative pary, David Hawes, Thames Valley Regional Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “What businesses will look for from the new Government is certainty and stability, both absolutely fundamental to business planning, and getting to grips with the big economic challenges.

David Hawes

“That must start with continuing to secure the UK’s long-term economic stability and addressing the deficit. Businesses will then look to the new Government to provide the conditions for enterprise to continue to flourish, and help ensure the economic recovery is felt in all parts of the country.

“As we set out in our Business Manifesto, that means providing the access to finance they need; supporting job creation and improving skills; confronting the huge problem of late payments; delivering on fundamental reform of business rates; improving broadband provision; making a quick decision on increasing airport capacity; and actively pursuing policies that rebalance economic growth across all the nations and regions in the UK.

“Small business will want to see a clear plan and timetable for action on these issues, which will allow them to properly plan for the future. The FSB now looks forward to working with all parties across the UK to put in place these plans and to back small business.”