From housebuilders to hairdressers, from fintech start-ups to fish and chip shops and from early years providers to adult social care providers, small businesses and the self-employed are at the heart of both our economy and our communities in every part of the UK.
They are the innovators, the risk-takers, and the dedicated hands-on professionals who, with the right support and policy framework, have the capacity to drive economic growth and future prosperity.
This General Election provides a perfect opportunity for those seeking political office to put forward a compelling pro-small business offer, to support growth, jobs and a brighter economic future.
There are 5.5 million small businesses in the UK, the owners of which are a large, motivated and shrewd section of the electorate. Small firms employ 16.7 million people – 60 per cent of the private sector workforce – which means that around a third of the electorate own or work in an SME.
In this manifesto we present a comprehensive package of recommendations to create the conditions for growth now and in the future; as well as a vision for high streets and town centres; ways to better promote jobs and skills; and a plan to remove barriers holding back more inclusive entrepreneurship. Many of these measures do not involve additional spending.
There are a host of policy areas where legislative action is required to improve the operating environment for small businesses. We therefore call on all of those competing to form the next Government to commit to a Small Business Act.
The next UK Government should work in constructive partnership with governments in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales to support all SMEs across the UK. SMEs in these areas should clearly see governments at different levels working together to complement each other’s work in supporting business.
The UK’s millions of entrepreneurs are very used to having to create a compelling offer to outpace their competitors. In this election, they are looking to those seeking their votes to do the same.