Stop beating us over the head, say firms
Mar 11 2008 By Andrew Mernin
THE Federation of Small Business is urging the Government to lay off small businesses in the Budget.
Its national chair John Wright said: “The Government has beaten small businesses over the head for the last six or seven years.
“If they really want to get more small businesses, then you have to give them a break. The North East desperately needs more entrepreneurs just to get us up to the national average, so I would like to see the Chancellor give us some real encouragement.
“If we are going to encourage entrepreneurs, then we need to give them something that tells them it’s worthwhile running your own business.
“There are 4.5 million small businesses which employ fewer than 10 people and employ 50% of the working population of this country.”
According to the FSB, small firms want the Budget to simplify and stabilise tax.
The past year has been tough for manufacturing in the region with a number of closures, including the Atmel microchip plant in North Tyneside, with the loss of 600 jobs. Manufacturing organisation EEF Northern has called on the Government to promote enterprise by reducing the headline rate of corporation tax to 25% by 2010/11.
Director Alan Hall said: “As other countries move to improve the competitiveness of their tax systems, manufacturers believe that the UK is heading in the wrong direction.”
Click here to read the FSB's budget proposal
PAGE TWO: The CBI's alternative budget speech
