Small firms are key to strengthening the recovery

Speaking to delegates in his opening speech at the FSB's Annual Conference in Liverpool, national chairman John Walker said that small businesses are key to sustaining economic recovery across the UK and urged the Government to ensure that next week’s Budget had the needs of small firms at its core calling for:

• The extension of the national insurance contributions holiday to include existing businesses
• The introduction of a fuel duty stabiliser to help firms' cash-flow.

He also highlighted the FSB's key achievements since the Coalition Government came to power including: a commitment to reduce regulation, including the exemption of micro-businesses from time to train legislation; the extension of the Enterprise Finance Guarantee and the re-introduction of the Enterprise Allowance Fund as well as a commitment from central government to make the procurement process simpler.

And, as elections across local authorities in England and the devolved countries approach, Mr Walker urged members to go back to their constituencies and put the message to local and devolved government's that the small business community is integral to generating wealth and prosperity, but it needs a helping hand.

The Government has committed to making the procurement process easier for small firms around the country - but for many, these promises won't have an effect until local governments follow suit and make the same commitments.

John Walker, National Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses, said: "2010 was a tough year, and 2011 looks like it's going to be much of the same as the public sector cuts begin to bite, unemployment remains high and GDP contracts.

"The UK's 4.8 million small businesses are best placed to help the recovery, but they need a helping hand. We need to see the Chancellor use the Budget to create a country fit for entrepreneurs by providing incentives for businesses to take on staff and for self-employment to become a viable choice for the unemployed."