FSB concerned over sluggish economic growth
FSB concerned over sluggish economic growth
Commenting on today’s announcement that UK GDP grew by 0.4% in the first quarter of 2016, Mike Cherry, National Chairman at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said:
“It’s concerning to see the slowdown in growth in the first quarter of this year. This sluggish performance in the UK is being compounded by uncertainty over the health of the global economy. Recent FSB research [1] found small business confidence at its lowest level since 2013.
“Small firms are dealing with a series of challenges including adjusting to the new National Living Wage and pensions auto-enrolment. In this climate, our members are looking to policymakers to focus on reducing barriers to enterprise and creating the right environment for small firms to grow.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
1) Federation of Small Businesses, FSB Small Business Index Q1 2016, 18 March 2016.
2) Office of National Statistics. UK GDP, preliminary estimate: January to March 2016. April 27 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.