UK200Group member comments on the role of small businesses in devolution
A member of the UK200Group of independent accountancy and law firms has commented on opinion that small businesses are in prime position to benefit from England’s devolution plans. EEF, which represents Britain’s manufacturing firms, says companies should be given a larger role in the process, as empowered Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) would boost investment and job creation, thereby satisfying localism’s ambitions.
Duncan Montgomery, tax partner at UK200Group member firm Whittingham Riddell, said:
Manufacturing needs a skill base that works, and locally we have SME employers setting up their own independent training facilities to train engineers to feed both their own and other businesses. Whilst accreditation and improved skills result, any form of devolution that reduces the need for employers to go to these lengths to ensure a steady stream of help is beneficial. Dialogue in a business forum to address real needs would be a great step forward.