FSB launches plan for local business survival

In a bid to save small businesses from being driven out of the UK’s high streets, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is urging the government to support its Keep Trade Local campaign.

Inspired by FSB members, the Keep Trade Local manifesto unites campaigning from small businesses with a concrete plan for the government to alleviate the plight of independent retailers. In our economic climate, the problems that face small businesses are obvious to all – we are sleepwalking into a disaster.

The Communities Secretary, Hazel Blears, made some welcome comments on planning this week, but the country’s biggest business organisation is challenging her to deliver by launching a Keep Trade Local manifesto that covers changes to five other key areas which would benefit small businesses as well:

  • Parking charges;
  • Business rates relief;
  • Crime prevention;
  • Post Office closures; and
  • Public procurement.

The FSB’s Keep Trade Local Manifesto sets out how our high streets can be kept alive through grassroots change. The manifesto also raises awareness of the value that small businesses provide to consumers, including local produce and personal service.

Clive Davenport, FSB trade and industry chairman, said:

“Small businesses and independent retailers are at the heart of our economy and local communities, creating growth and jobs. They must be sufficiently supported.

“Encouraging statements from politicians are of course welcome but they must be backed up with concrete actions.

“Politicians, both locally and nationally, can make a difference by putting in place transparent and fair planning and procurement policies. But they need to wake up quickly to prevent disaster and Keep Trade Local.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. For a copy of the manifesto please go to www.fsb.org.uk. The FSB have also set up a Keep Trade Local Petition on the Number 10 website at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/keeptradelocal/.”>

2. Over 50% of the turnover of independent retailers goes to the local community, compared with just 5% from supermarkets. 42% of English towns and villages no longer have a shop of any kind. By 2010 many local communities will have no small shops or services. In the UK, 2000 local shops are closing each year; since 1990 40% of bank branches have closed; 2500 Post Offices face closure across the country; and around 27 pubs a week, circa 4 pubs a day, are closing.

3. The FSB is Britain’s biggest business organisation with over 215,000 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.

Contacts:

Stephen Alambritis: 020 7592 8112 / 07788 422155
Simon Briault: 020 7592 8128 / 07917 628998

For regional FSB contacts please go to www.fsb.org.uk/regions