Small Business Taskforce sets out ten-point demand to government

Small Business Taskforce sets out ten-point demand to government

A collective of small business representative bodies and think tanks is to set out ten demands to government in a series of ministerial visits starting today/Tuesday March 27.

The Small Business Taskforce, which is made up of 11 organisations that represent two million small firms and self-employed individuals, will kick of its manifesto meetings with a delegation to Chief Secretary to the Treasury Liz Truss

The paper sets out ten recommendations it believes needs to happen in order for the UK to remain one of the best places in the world to start and grow a business.

These are:

1. Delivering and coordinating new data in a way that will accurately measure the contribution small firms and self-employed individuals make to the economy and the communities in which they operate;

2. A new definition of self-employment that leads to fair taxation and a better understanding of working this way;

3. A simplified bidding processes for small firms so they can better apply for government contracts;

4. HMRC to be given more resources to process registration applications EIS Relief in a post-Brexit scenario;

5. Shared parental leave rights and consideration of extending free childcare hours for self-employed parents;

6. A single gateway to allow small firms to flag late payment concerns offering four directions of travel to find a fast resolution and continued trade;

7. Model tenancy agreement for small firms wishing to test out trade on the high street and simplifying Business Rates Relief so more can claim it successfully;

8. A group to look at how small business support can be funded post-Brexit by harnessing technology and data like Open Banking;

9. The relaxation of business rates relief for co-working spaces to allow microbusiness collaboration and start-ups to get a good start;

10. More awareness of entrepreneurship and start-ups in schools.

Taskforce leader Emma Jones, founder of small business support group Enterprise Nation, said: "We're setting out our demands now because it feels like the government is ready to listen.

"Small businesses and the self-employed have been patient - but it's time to raise these legitimate concerns and set out in our manifesto in order to support enterprising individuals so that they can have the best chance to grow businesses and thrive in the UK.

"Small firms make up 96 per cent of the UK's total business population. And yet very little is understood about their real contribution to the British economy and as a consequence of that, very little thought and effort has gone into finding out what they actually need to continue to deliver half of all employment.

"As a collective we believe these ten points have the potential to deliver prosperity and fairness for all."

IPSE'S Directory of Policy and External Affairs Simon McVicker said the Manifesto came at a particularly important time for the UK's 4.4m self-employed population.

He said: The rise of the self-employed - up nearly 50 per cent since 2001 - represents a permanent and major structural shift to the economy.

"The lack of clarity about who is and who isn't self-employed is creating confusing and stifling confidence in this vital sector.  It is totally unacceptable that policymakers are relying on the courts to define self-employment.

"We want a positive definition of self-employment so the genuinely self-employed have certainty and peace of mind, and so unscrupulous companies cannot exploit confusion and push people into false self-employment.

"This Manifesto provides a roadmap for the government to fully embrace the benefits the self-employed bring to the economy, particularly in ensuring the UK retains its most important competitive advantage - its flexibility - at this uncertain time."

The ten-point manifesto will be delivered to ministers over the next few weeks by the 11 organisations comprising Enterprise Nation, IPSE, RSA, Centre for Entrepreneurs, unLtd, Social Enterprise UK, National Enterprise Network, The Entrepreneurs Network, EISA, and peak b.

ENDS

For more information contact Liz Slee on 07540060112 or liz@enterprisenation.com

About the Small Business Taskforce Members

Enterprise Nation

Enterprise Nation is a small business network with more than 75,000 members. Its aim is to help people turn their good ideas into great businesses - through expert advice, events, networking and a modern membership. Enterprise Nation was founded in 2005 by Emma Jones MBE also co-founder of StartUp Britain and one of the Prime Minister's Trade Ambassadors.

IPSE

IPSE represents 21,000 freelancers, contractors and consultants from every sector of the economy and it is our ambition to become the voice for the 4.6million self-employed people across the UK.

National Enterprise Network

National Enterprise Network is a unique membership body representing the enterprise support sector across England. We believe our members are crucial to England's economic growth and our role is to support their work, we represent their interests, promote the results they achieve and connect them with opportunities for even greater success.

Bright Ideas Trust

Bright Ideas Trust focuses on helping young people aged between 16 and 30 years, in particular those who are more marginalised and those not in employment, education or training ("NEET"), to enable them to start their own business. BIT provides a tailored and comprehensive package of business advice and support including providing links with experienced business mentors and supporting access to start-up finance.

ICAEW

ICAEW is a world leading professional membership organisation. Our members have the knowledge, skills and commitment to maintain the highest professional standards and integrity. Together we contribute to the success of businesses around the world.

Global Entrepreneurship Week

Global Entrepreneurship Week is the world's largest entrepreneurship campaign. Created in the UK, over the last decade GEW has engaged millions of people in entrepreneurship and helped thousands of UK entrepreneurs start businesses.

NACUE

NACUE is the leading membership organisation for engaging students in enterprise, set up by students for students. We give college and university students the opportunity to boost their skills, confidence and aspirations through supporting student-led enterprise societies, running inspiring events and advocating practical learning.

The Entrepreneurs Network

The Entrepreneurs Network is a think tank for the ambitious owners of Britain's fastest growing businesses and aspirational entrepreneurs. Through research, events and the media, The Entrepreneurs Network bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and policymakers with the aim of helping to make Britain the best place in the world to start and grow a business. The Entrepreneurs Network is also the Secretariat of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Entrepreneurship.

Social Enterprise UK

The national body for social enterprise and a voice for the the 70,000 social enterprises in the UK. These enterprises contribute £18.5 billion to the UK economy and employ almost a million people.

The RSA

The mission of the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) is to enrich society through ideas and action. It believes that all human beings have creative capacities that, when understood and supported, can be mobilised to deliver a 21st century enlightenment. The RSA works to bring about the conditions for this change, not just amongst its diverse 28,000-strong global Fellowship, but also in institutions and communities. By sharing powerful ideas and carrying out cutting-edge research, it builds networks and opportunities for people to collaborate - creating fulfilling lives and a flourishing society.

EISA

The Enterprise Investment Scheme Association (EISA) is the trade body for both the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme(SEIS) and the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) in the UK. EISA supports and promotes policies and initiatives that facilitate the smooth flow of risk equity capital from private individuals to smaller companies thereby benefitting the UK economy.

The Centre for Entrepreneurs

The Centre for Entrepreneurs promotes the role of entrepreneurs in creating economic growth and social well-being. It is an independent non-profit think tank founded and chaired by Sunday Times columnist and serial entrepreneur Luke Johnson and housed within the Legatum Institute.

From championing migrant entrepreneurs and advocating support for ex-offender entrepreneurs, to uncovering how entrepreneurs are reviving declined seaside towns and proving the growth ambition of women entrepreneurs - among many other topics - the Centre leads public debate on how to make Britain more entrepreneurial. It is also home to the StartUp Britain campaign which tours the country to promote entrepreneurship.