What do small businesses want from the government?

In the first survey of small business owners to be conducted since the 2015 UK General Election, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) reveals that well over a third (35%) of the businesses questioned wanted a sustained economic recovery to be the top priority for the new Conservative Government. Mike Cherry, National Policy Chairman of FSB, said: "This response from FSB members shows first and foremost businesses want stability and certainty. This requires putting public finances on a sound footing, and then for ministers to give a comprehensive vision for how they will support enterprise followed by a clear timetable for when they will deliver it." Other important priorities for business owners were lowering the cost of doing business and ensuring growth in every nation and region of the UK, not just London and the South East. When asked what issues they would like the government to focus on over the next five years, well over half (53%) said they wanted ministers to reduce the regulatory burden on business, with simplification of the tax system a close second on 51 per cent. Business owners were also clear that reforming business rates and improving the employability of young people were important benchmarks for the next five years. As part of the survey, FSB members were also asked to say how confident they are the new government will deliver for small businesses. Many appeared positive with half (51%) saying they are either confident or very confident. However, with over a quarter (28%) claiming to be either unconfident or very unconfident, ministers will have to move quickly to demonstrate that they will truly do all they can to back small business. Top ten issues small businesses want new government to focus on in next five years: 1. Reduce regulatory burden (53%) 2. Introduce a more simplified tax system (51%) 3. Reform business rates (44%) 4. Improve the employability skills of young people (41%) 5. Deliver improved broadband / mobile connectivity (39%) 6. Help UK small businesses to create more jobs (34%) 7. Tackle late payments (33%) 8. Lower energy costs for businesses (30%) 9. Ensure better access to finance (28%) 10. Increase investment in infrastructure (26%)