Help on the way, says Mandelson

Date: 20th October 2008

Peter Mandelson has given the government's strongest hint yet that help is on the way for the UK's small business sector in an interview with the BBC.

The recently-appointed secretary of state for business, enterprise and regulatory reform also called on taxation authorities to show discretion in their dealings with the sector.

The comments from Lord Mandelson came soon after Conservative leader David Cameron called for a 1p reduction in the national insurance rate.

Lord Mandelson said in an interview with the BBC: "We can put in place - and we are - a framework of policy which in the round can help small and medium sized enterprises as well as other business get through this period."

He added that he hoped the taxation authorities would approach their relationships with small business start-ups in a way that could help firms get through this "difficult period."

Lord Mandelson recently returned to the Cabinet - taking up a seat in the House of Lords - after a four-year stint as the European commissioner for trade.