FSB launches business manifesto ahead of general election
FSB leaders comment following Liverpool launch event.
The Federation of Small Businesses has launched its Business Manifesto outlining what the UK’s small firms want from the 2015-2020 government.
The launch took place at a meet the FSB event at member restaurant, 60 Hope Street, on Thursday, 30 October. At the event national chairman John Allan, who is from Southport and came directly from a parliamentary launch in the House of Commons, spoke about the manifesto and unique #ibacksmallbusiness social media campaign, in addition to the FSB’s other lobbying and campaigns work.
Other speakers included regional chair Elaine Moore, Liverpool and Knowsley chair Karen Bellion and FSB member Sarah Rhind, of the Dressing Room in Waterloo.
John Allan, national chairman, Federation of Small Businesses, said: “#ibacksmallbusiness is a unique opportunity for those wishing to win a seat in the next Parliament to talk directly with small business owners via social media.
“Our business manifesto is the product of months of direct engagement with real small businesses. It plainly outlines what the next government needs to do to support entrepreneurs seeking to start a new business or grow an existing firm.
“Over the coming months we expect candidates claiming to support small firms to get behind the #ibacksmallbusiness campaign and commit to taking the measures in our business manifesto forward in the next Parliament.”
Elaine Moore, chair of FSB Merseyside, West Cheshire and Wigan said: “Our research shows growing confidence among small business owners in every sector and we are seeing a more diversity among our ranks, with more women and young people in particular setting up in business for the very first time, so it is essential that we capitalise on this by providing entrepreneurs with the best conditions possible to start and grow a business.
“The FSB’s business manifesto and campaign outlines the pressing small business issues and calls for the political leadership necessary to ensure the certainty our members require to plan ahead and invest for the future.”
“I encourage people to get behind #ibacksmallbusiness so that our decision makers are best placed to help entrepreneurs meet the challenges and opportunities before them.”
The business manifesto, which is aimed at policymakers of all parties, and candidates standing in the 7 May 2015 general election, sets out a coherent set of measures the next Government should implement in the following areas to support the UK’s 4.9 million small businesses and deliver economic growth and employment:
– Deliver a sustained economic recovery;
– Rebalance the economy, driving sustainable growth in every nation and region;
– Create high quality jobs and full employment;
– Make all markets work better;
– Lower the costs of doing business.
#ibacksmallbusiness is a unique social media campaign supported by a dedicated website www.ibacksmallbusiness.com. The site allows prospective candidates and small businesses to share content on social platforms such as videos, infographics and quotes from small business owners across the UK.
This will enable prospective parliamentary candidates to see and hear the challenges facing small businesses in the specific constituencies they wish to serve. By tweeting or posting #ibacksmallbusiness, candidates can show support for the small business community.
The campaign and manifesto launch follows more than six months of engagement between FSB members, shadow, and government ministers, expressing their opinions on how to make running a small business easier. It also coincides with the progression of the first ever Small Business Bill through Parliament, a key milestone in the growing recognition of the contribution small firms make to the UK’s economy.
