FSB welcomes Osborne’s speech on small businesses

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) welcomed the speech that the Shadow Chancellor, George Osborne, today gave to the FSB National Conference in Belfast.

John Walker, FSB National Policy Chairman, said:

“Mr Osborne is right to focus on the millstone round the neck of our members that is red tape. Small firms have no HR or finance department and do not have the time to deal with the complex tax regime that we have in the UK. It is very pleasing to hear that it is a priority for the Conservatives to tackle.

“Small businesses are feeling particularly bruised at the moment. Our contribution to the country’s prosperity is being taken for granted by many. Together we employ fifty eight per cent of the private sector workforce – 12 million people. It is heartening to hear that we have not been forgotten by the Tories.

“Entrepreneurs take risks with their own money. Their success is the foundation on which the British economy depends. We are pleased that George Osborne and Mark Prisk accept this. We look forward to working with them to take this agenda forwards and to hearing firm policy proposals from them soon. The FSB is happy to work with any mainstream political party that supports the needs of small businesses and we will continue to do so.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The FSB is Britain’s biggest business organisation with over 205,000 members. It exists to protect and promote the interests of the self-employed, and all those who run their own business. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk.