Small businesses ignored by budget, claims FPB

Date: 23rd April 2009

Chancellor Alistair Darling's 2009 budget address ignored the needs of the UK's small business community, it has been claimed.

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) believes that yesterday's (April 22nd) speech to parliament did not include enough measures to minimise costs and protect jobs for small firms.

Among the schemes that were announced was an extensive to taxation relief for loss-making organisations, on which business managers are encouraged to see an accountant for more information.

Noel Guilford, national chairman of the FPB, commented: "We are experiencing the worst economic conditions that most business owners have ever seen.

"We needed a bold strategy for business recovery, which the chancellor has failed to deliver at all levels."

Mr Guilford added that the forum had made "numerous and significant proposals", such as improving access to finance for small firms, which had been overlooked.

One of the biggest announcements on Wednesday was the department for business's £750 million fund for innovative and sustainable companies.