FSB challenges all candidates and all parties to back small business
FSB challenges all candidates and all parties to back small business
The UK’s small business owners are going to the polls tomorrow to vote in major elections in London, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, as well as local elections in England and Police and Crime Commissioner elections.
Mike Cherry, National Chairman for the Federation of Small Businesses, said:
“FSB members have engaged with thousands of candidates from all major parties in every nation, region and branch up and down the UK, challenging them to put ‘I back small business’ at the heart of their campaign.
“Friday (6 May) will see a whole new set of individuals take up their positions. They will have the power to make positive change in town halls, assemblies and Parliaments across the UK for small firms.
“FSB has worked hard to create individual manifestos for Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and London to reflect the diversity of small businesses in each nation and region and their varied needs. We have created a manifesto called ‘Tackling Business Crime’ outlining what small businesses in England and Wales need from Police and Crime Commissioners. We have also contacted candidates standing in local elections throughout England.
"It’s now crunch time and we would encourage small firms to vote tomorrow and make sure their voice is heard and reflected in a debate that will no doubt affect their future.
“This is an exciting time of change and we want to see newly elected candidates and those serving second terms to champion the UK’s 5.4 million small firms more than ever and make sure they have the right support to continue propelling the UK economy forwards. Small firms need stability, certainty and a comprehensive vision for the future from leaders. We look forward to working with those elected tomorrow and making sure they deliver on their promises for small firms.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
1) Federation of Small Businesses, ‘A Better Way for Wales: Building our economy on the SME foundation’, October 2015
2) Federation of Small Businesses, ‘Scottish Parliament 2016 manifesto: Resilient Economies, Resilient Communities’, October 2015
3) Federation of Small Businesses, ‘Northern Ireland Assembly election manifesto 2016: Realising the potential of small businesses’, October 2015
4) Federation of Small Businesses, ‘A manifesto from London’s small businesses: Back the 99%’, December 2015
5) Federation of Small Businesses, ‘Tackling business crime: FSB manifesto’, March 2016
About the FSB
As experts in business, FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in Government. Its aim is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk. You can follow us on twitter @fsb_policy.