SMALL BUSINESS ELECTION SPECIAL: CUT RED TAPE AND LET FIRMS INNOVATE
Monday April 26, 2010
Daily Express
We asked small businesses up and down the country what they wanted from the next government. Here is what they had to say:
Mike Clough, founder, Japanese Knotweed Solutions, Manchester
We want a government that proactively polices the countryside and has a defined strategy for controlling and managing the invasive species that are damaging the indigenous flora and fauna.
Virginia Raemy, chief executive, TalentPuzzle, London
Technology is crucial for business, yet comes at a cost for companies with smaller budgets. The next government needs to support small business by reducing business IT overheads and encouraging more flexible working.
I'd like to see incentives such as cheaper office space, free internet access and subsidised IT provision.
Damian Clarkson, MD, The London Kitchen
They should help us employ graduates and new talent, reduce National Insurance, give breaks and incentives to new business start-ups, work with councils to have rating cushions and encourage investment through business-expansion style schemes.
Sally Goodsell, chief executive, Finance South East, Surrey
The decision to put financial plans to boost small businesses at the heart of Alistair Darling's budget reflects the importance all parties are placing on entrepreneurs. At least half of the £94 billion promised in new loans from the nationalised banks must go to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
Kevin Meagher, chief executive, Intamac, Northampton
According to the Office For National Statistics, more than half the working population and annual turnover created in the economy comes from SMEs. As revenue generators for and taxpayers to UK PLC, it is therefore essential that all political parties consider the impact of government policy on the SME sector. The party which best appeals to small business owners and employees, with policies encouraging and supporting new employment and business expansion, will find a responsive electorate waiting for them.
Edward Croft, chief executive, Stockopedia, London
While bank lending remains so low, the Government needs to make it easier for small businesses to access alternative sources of funding, such as the equity markets. AIM and PLUS Markets need greater visibility and equity investors need more tax incentives to invest directly in growth companies.
Rupert Cox, chief executive, Into, Somerset
Minimise red tape, making it easier for business people to get on with actually running their businesses rather than managing them. Encourage growth and investment in key sectors such as renewable energy.
Ben Gladstone, chief executive, Conosco IT Support, London
Get government out the way. Let us get on with it. Government shouldn't try and influence or command and control the economy. Make it cheap to employ people, we'll innovate!
Quentin Pain, chairman, Accountz Software, Cambridgeshire
I would like the next government to simplify VAT schemes and forms for UK businesses. The UK currently has the most complicated VAT form in Europe. A great example is the ability to mix the flat rate scheme with the cash accounting scheme - which is a recipe for disaster!
Thomas Coles, managing director, MSM Software, Reading
We are currently one of the highest taxed nations, particularly in the corporate world. The Government needs to improve competition globally to help attract start-ups and allow small businesses to grow.
Matthew Sanders, chief executive, De Poel, Cheshire
The next government needs to open up public procurement contracts. Currently, the tendering process is such that very few small businesses have even a small chance to supply the public sector.
Jake Allen, King & Allen Tailors, Surrey
A reduction in employer's NI contributions would stimulate new employment. This would save money and encourage small businesses to employ more staff.
Higher employment means more people spending in the economy.
Peter Gradwell, Gradwell, Bath
Invest in developing and funding training which suits the needs of all employees, rather than managers alone. Small businesses need to be able to develop the whole team, particularly young people. This would accelerate business development and enable small companies to increase their competitive advantage.
Paris Sheppard, MD, InsideOut Outsourcing specialists, Surrey
Help SMEs get insured credit limits on their end clients. Many are struggling due to risk-averse insurance companies limiting the trade they can do, despite clients having business to give them.
Jon Moore, co-founder, Intelligent Energy, Loughborough
The UK is leading the way in clean technology. We hope that the next government continues to recognise the progress that companies in this sector are making towards commercialisation in the economy and offer support.
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