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Red tape
FPB discusses better regulation with top representatives
Phil Orford, Chief Executive of the Forum of Private Business (FPB), last week met representatives from the Better Regulation Executive (BRE). The BRE is tasked with leading the agenda for regulatory reform across government. William Sargent, Chairman, and Jitindher Kohli, Chief Executive, of the BRE provided a briefing on what the Government is trying to do to simplify regulation for small businesses. Phil outlined the FPB's agenda for the upcoming year and urged the BRE to follow through on its commitments for 2008.
Business support
Small Business Forum
The Government launched the Small Business Forum in May 2007, with a view to providing an informal way to engage with the small-business community and an opportunity to seek the views of individuals and representative groups on a range of policy issues. Phil Orford attended this quarter's Small Business Forum, which took place last week, at which he met Baroness Shriti Vadera, the Minister responsible for the Government's small business agenda. Discussions covered the credit crunch and current market conditions, as well as the Small Business Forum's work programme for the year ahead.
Support women entrepreneurs in Wales, says FPB
The FPB last week called for better support to help more female entrepreneurs in Wales start their own businesses. The call came following a study showing that, although they have created twice as many jobs as self-employed men, there are far fewer self-employed women. The research was carried out by Cranfield School of Management, Hull University Business School and the University of St Andrews. It found that only 8% of women in Wales are self-employed, compared to 20% of men. However, Welsh female entrepreneurs employ more than five members of staff per company, whereas self-employed men employ an average of just over two.
Employment
FPB offers support on employment law for firms awaiting new Acas guidance We will be submitting our views on a new draft code of practice (part of the proposed Employment Bill) aimed at simplifying employee discipline and grievance procedures over the coming weeks. If approved, the new code will apply from April 2009, when the current statutory procedures are abolished. In the meantime, our Employment Guide and legal helpline can help smaller firms to avoid the many pitfalls of employment law. We asked members to vote on the Employment Bill, which is currently being read in Parliament, in the ballot of our quarter two issue of Referendum. Members will receive their copies in the next week and are asked to vote on this and other employment-related matters to enable us to express your views to decision-makers. |
