Small firms need more govt support, says FPB

Date: 17th October 2011

Britons looking into starting up a new business could be among those encouraged by the recent calls of one industry body.

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) has called on the government to increase the level of support it offers to new firms.

Phil McCabe, a spokesman for the organisation, acknowledged the launch of several initiatives aimed at improving the environment for small enterprises but said such moves have not gone far enough.

"We've seen some piecemeal measures, a National Insurance holiday for new start-ups, for the first employees that they take on. I think we need more substantial measures effectively to take on small businesses, particularly small start-up businesses, out of the tax burden if possible.

"There have been a few tentative steps in the right direction, but certainly not enough if it [the government] is really serious about small business growth, servicing start-ups, driving economic recovery."

The comments echo those of the Confederation of British Industry, which recently urged the government to offer businesses more support in order to stimulate job creation.

Posted by Emily Smith