News: 18th January 2013

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called on Prime Minister David Cameron to ensure smaller firms get the best deal in Europe ahead of his speech to the European Union.

Mr Cameron was set to speak to delegates in Amsterdam today (January 18th) on the subject, leading to the FSB calling on the UK government to "think small first".

Furthermore, it believes that Mr Cameron should insist that growth and job creation must be at the top of the agenda.

John Walker, National Chairman of the organisation, explained: "There are more than four million people in the UK that are either self-employed or run their own business.

"Although the single European market gives them access to 500 million customers and 23 million businesses, the burden of regulation - with around half emanating from the European Union itself - falls disproportionately on the smallest firms."

It comes after the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership said that it will be helping make £15 million available for small firms to aid in their growth in the coming months.

Posted by Thomas Fletcher