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increase the proportion of new starts that thrive . As an organisation , we also need to constantly respond to the new challenges that all smaller businesses face . With most now affected in some way by cyber-attacks , we are introducing comprehensive protection and advice , an area where small and micro businesses are underserved . This both encourages better preparation and a rapid response to those targeted .
“ 2017 will see a big push in HMRC ’ s Making Tax Digital plans , as the government makes it mandatory for smaller firms to provide a digital tax report on a quarterly basis . I am dead-set against these proposals . At a time when we need businesses to grow , government should not be putting in place a mandatory new tax regulation that will cost businesses on average £ 2,770 . Smaller firms are the secret to UK success , not a cash cow for the treasury . FSB is lobbying intensely to persuade
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ministers to improve these proposals , which should be voluntary and phased . They should begin by using thresholds to remove more of the smallest businesses from the regime – those who will be least able to cope .
Poor payments crisis
“ Late and poor payment practice from larger firms remains a huge issue for smaller businesses in every corner of the UK . We now face a poor payments crisis . If this is not tackled , then every year 50,000 businesses will die – leaving £ 2.5bn of GDP missing – purely due to late payments . Members will be upping the pressure in 2017 , where we want to see reforms promised two years ago now toughened up , and delivered . With 30 per cent of payments typically late , and finance directors of large firms squeezing smaller firms to improve their own cash flow , we need to see concrete action
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and results . In addition to the Duty to Report regulations coming in and a Small Business Commissioner being appointed , FSB succeeded in putting supply chain respect at the heart of the government ’ s Corporate Governance Green Paper . We now need to see that enacted so that there is a whole-board ownership of prompt payment practices .
“ It ’ s been our responsibility , since FSB was set up in 1974 , to shine a light on the challenges that the self-employed face . We are in effect the trade union for the self-employed , and we champion their interests in everything that we do . That ’ s why it ’ s so encouraging to see the government and indeed the opposition committing to policy reviews for the self-employed . We wish to see a statutory definition for self-employment , as well as parity of benefits such as maternity pay – this is the right way to ensure the growth in self-employment continues .
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“ In short , it ’ s not just Brexit – there is a lot to do , to make this an economy that truly works for everyone . We are preparing for whatever Brexit may bring , and the economic challenges we now expect . As a grassroots campaigning
organisation , we will have a chance to discuss our hopes and together decide how we take our movement forward . This has been my first year as National Chairman . As we look to the coming months , I look forward to ensuring that smaller businesses get the right support to thrive . Our country ’ s future depends upon our smaller businesses success .”
Manifesto for a Mayor
The Federation of Small Businesses ( FSB ) has set out its vision for how Greater Manchester ’ s first ‘ Metro Mayor ’ could supercharge the region ’ s businesses and jobs .
‘ The 12-page document outlines how the new mayor could boost the region ’ s 105,000 businesses and jobs , and deliver sustained and achievable long term economic growth
’ The FSB ( Manchester region ) published its business manifesto ahead of the region ’ s mayoral election on 4th May . The 12-page document outlines how the new mayor could boost the region ’ s 105,000 businesses and jobs , and deliver sustained and achievable long term economic growth .
Key business issues covered in the manifesto range from transport and infrastructure
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projects , to roads , education and skills , business rates and digital infrastructure , among others . There ’ s also a section devoted to the Northern Powerhouse , which details how the Metro Mayor should help shape that plan as it evolves in relation to Greater Manchester .
For each issue the FSB manifesto identifies , the document makes practical suggestions for how each might be addressed by the new mayor , who will take office on 5th May . The new elected mayor will have responsibilities covering the police and fire service , planning , housing and transport .
FSB regional chairman for Manchester , Simon Edmondson , said : “ Between now and May the devolution debate is going to really ramp up , and we want to make sure business is at the top of the agenda .”
A copy of the FSB ’ s Manchester Mayoral Manifesto is available via the FSB website .
www . fsb . org . uk
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