First week of Get Britain Trading – over 200 small businesses sign the pledge

24 February 2011

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The launch of Get Britain Trading has been hugely successful, with business owners up and down the country rushing to get involved.

In just its first week, more than 200 small business owners have backed the campaign by signing the Get Britain Trading pledge.

And the Get Britain Trading website has received more than 1,200 hits in the past seven days, highlighting the overwhelming level of interest the campaign has attracted.

Get Britain Trading, which aims to raise awareness of the massive contribution small firms make to the economy and make it simpler and more profitable for them to do business, is being supported by a diverse range of small businesses across the UK.

One of them is CAMS Fire & Security PLC, which supplies fire and electronic security services to businesses across the Home Counties.

Company director Christine Hogg told us why she is supporting the Get Britain Trading campaign.

Christine said: "I have signed the Get Britain Trading pledge today because I believe that as an island we are not self-sufficient and it is therefore essential that we trade with other countries.

"Also, it's important that small firms are able to compete on a level playing field to able to offer good quality goods and services."

Robin Packham, owner of Falcon Shock Absorbers Ltd which manufactures specialist components for competition motorcycles, is also supporting the campaign.

Robin explained: "I believe very strongly that we all need to work together to stimulate the economy and make this country grow.

"This includes all decisions and policies, working with authorities, like the Government and all their many ministries, councils, large industries and of course small businesses as well, working together, cutting red tape and unnecessary administration, and reducing the tax burden on industry.

"I feel strongly that it's important that we revert to old values by supplying a quality job at a fair price, and caring about the quality of our products. This is in order to inspire confidence in the consumer and get them on our side, buying British goods."

Businesses have also been ‘meeting' each other and sharing their Get Britain Trading tips online thanks to the campaign.

Business owner Arthur Croker, owner of Arthur Croker and Co, an accountancy firm operating in Somerset, Gloucestershire and London, was able to help out a fellow supporter of the campaign by providing advice on recruiting the unemployed and making savings on National Insurance Contributions.

Tomorrow (Friday), the Forum of Private Business will launch the ‘improving cash flow' part of Get Britain Trading through a special event.

The event, which boasts Chancellor George Osborne as a speaker, will see the Forum's chief executive Phil Orford call on the Government, the banks and business owners to work together and help Get Britain Trading.

The Get Britain Trading manifesto sets out the conditions needed to help small firms grow and calls for improved transparency in the banking sector, as well as the ability for local bank managers to exercise more discretion when deciding on loan applications.

Mr Orford said: "I am extremely pleased with the support that we have received from small businesses across the UK.

"The signatories have been entering into the Get Britain Trading spirit by spreading the word and providing each other with really useful hints and tips. By sharing good news and spreading some positivity, we hope to give a boost to Britain's economy."

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