POLITICIANS are being invited to see for themselves the issues facing small firms in a Business Buddy scheme being run over the summer.
The Forum of Private Businesses (FPB) is organising the work experience placements and is asking every MP and MEP to take part with one of their local small businesses.
It comes after 74% of FPB members said it was vital that their elected representatives understood how small firms work in a survey for the organisation’s Get Britain Trading campaign.
So far, around 100 MPs have signed up to the scheme, which asks politicians to spend at least half a day with the business.
It is hoped the small firm and the MP who visits will stay in touch in the future, so that businesses can tell them about problems and concerns.
Small Business Minister Mark Prisk said: “I encourage all members of Parliament who share my passion for UK business to make the most of the opportunity offered by the Forum of Private Business’s Business Buddy scheme.
“My contact with small businesses tells me that you will not only benefit from gaining a real understanding of the challenges business owners face and overcome each and every day, but that you will find the experience to be hugely enjoyable.
“In May 2010 one of the first things I did as the newly appointed Minister of State for Business and Enterprise was set my officials the challenge of spending a week in business every year.
“It is absolutely vital that the people charged with creating the best possible environment for business start- ups and growth understand what it is like to juggle the daily demands of running a business.”
Those who have already committed to the project include Cabinet Office Minister Oliver Letwin, who will spend time at a pie shop in his West Dorset constituency in September, and Tourism Minister John Penrose, who will be matched with a tourism business in his Weston-super-Mare constituency.
FPB head of campaigns Jane Bennett said: “It’s all well and good for lobby groups like the Forum to tell the Government about the issues facing small businesses, but there’s no substitute for first-hand experience.
“We want politicians to see for themselves what it’s like to run a small business.
“Of course, in recent years the number of MPs who have owned their own businesses has increased, and that is to be welcomed. However, different types of companies can face very different problems, and the legislation imposed on business is constantly changing, so we hope every MP, MSP and AM is able to give just a few hours of their time to take part in Business Buddy.”