Small business-friendly MPs to get awards

A business organisation has invited small firms to nominate candidates for an award which recognises the efforts of MPs in helping new enterprises to develop.

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) will present the 2008 business-friendly award to the MP or MEP who is judged to have done the most for small business interests in the UK over the last year.

Now in its third year, the competition was first won by West Midlands MEP Malcolm Harbour and Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans took the prize in 2007. This year's winner will be announced in the house of commons on May 14th.

Len Collinson, national chairman of the FPB, commented: "We are told often by smaller businesses that their views and interests are ignored by the decision-makers who can really make a difference

"In 2008, the owners of small firms have another unparalleled opportunity to recognise the MPs and MEPs who are fighting for them."

The Federation of Small Businesses recently said that small firms should receive more guidance from government figures on new legislation, including changes to accounting and taxation laws.