The FPB's Chief Executive, Phil Orford, spoke yesterday at a high profile conference in Brussels to highlight the stifling effects red tape has on the FPB's members. He then presented the aims of our Think Smallest First campaign to an audience of business representatives and decision-makers. Delegates came from across Europe to discuss the Small Business Act for Europe, an initiative intended to put measures in place to ensure the growth of small and medium-sized businesses throughout Europe.

Click here to read Phil Orford's speech from yesterday's conference in Brussels.

Why Think Smallest First?

We receive feedback from our members on a daily basis about the constant struggle they face in dealing with burdensome legislation, and the associated costs, as well as changes and increases in taxation. To combat these problems, we are asking politicians in Brussels, Westminster, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to Think Smallest First.

We want the Government to consider the smallest businesses before any other when it comes to new or changing regulations because we believe that, if this pledge is honoured, the resulting regulations and taxes will not create unnecessary burdens on any business.

Our aim is to achieve a reduction in taxation and regulations for smaller firms, as well as to raise awareness of the issues relating to late payment, which is still one of the biggest problems facing owner-managers of smaller businesses.

Within this campaign, we are focusing our efforts on three key matters:

Reducing taxation

What we want: for the Government to show its commitment to smaller firms by reducing the lower rate of Corporation Tax to 20%, as well as streamlining the various other taxes.

Decreasing red tape

What we want: maximum simplification of regulations by the European Commission and the UK's Government to minimise the effects of new and existing laws on smaller firms.

Raising awareness of late payment

What we want: a strengthening of legislation on late payment so that smaller firms can be assured of interest after a period of 30 days.

Philip Wyman, Professor of Economics at the University of Central Lancashire, has endorsed the FPB's campaign: "This campaign by the FPB, to 'think smallest first' is an important contribution to the public agencies' task of reaching the correct balance between protecting consumers, the environment and small businesses themselves from unfair competition and unsustainable activities. The more perspectives that Government can consider, the greater the understanding of how policies (often very well meant) impact upon those in the small business community."

The FPB's Scottish Representative, Jim Gorie, would like to see the Scottish Government as well as other Executives pledge to Think Smallest First: "The need for comprehensive support for small business must be a key focus for the present Scottish Government".