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The Forum of Private Business (FPB) has cautiously welcomed the news that the
Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling has pledged to give more support
to smaller businesses and to ‘streamline and focus’ services for them.
The FPB’s Chief Executive, Nick Goulding, commented: "There has to be a cultural
change within government, prioritising and focusing on the needs of smaller
firms.
"For example, when new regulations are being dreamed up, the consequences for
smaller businesses have to be at the forefront of decision makers’ minds."
But the FPB is questioning whether the changes will make a big enough impact. Mr
Goulding believes closer links to the Treasury would not solve all the problems
with government support for smaller businesses.
He added: "Whilst it is true that closer links to the Treasury may help
streamline support services in areas such as taxation, how will this help in
other areas such as the reduction of red tape?
"This is a cross-departmental issue. There are policies that impact on smaller
firms in a number of government departments.
"We would like to see a Minister responsible for small firms in the Cabinet, to
give smaller businesses a voice at the highest level.
"Currently they are sidelined as one of several responsibilities for the
Minister of State for Industry & the Regions."
Source:
RedAlert
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