FSB sets out small business agenda for EU negotiations

The Federation of Small Businesses is urging the Government to ensure economic stability at this time of uncertainty. FSB outlines key asks to Government in the EU negotiations.

Related topics:  Commercial,  Commercial finance
Amy Loddington
27th June 2016
people recruitment

Mike Cherry, National Chairman at the Federation of Small Businesses, said:

“FSB will be the voice of smaller businesses in the EU negotiations, starting with Business Secretary Sajid Javid's business summit tomorrow (Tuesday). As soon as the EU Referendum results were clear, FSB called on the Government and the Bank of England to provide economic stability, for small firms to get the confidence to continue to drive economic growth and create jobs.”

“In this business summit, I will continue to push for immediate action to reassure small businesses so they can continue to trade and do business. Smaller firms need simple access to the single market, the ability to hire the right people, continued EU funding for key schemes and clarity on the future regulatory framework. This is crucial to ensure economic growth and job creation.”

One third of FSB members export or import, with the vast majority doing so with other countries within the single market. Access to the single market means access to 500 million potential consumers, more than 26 million businesses and is worth more than £9 trillion. FSB is calling on the Government for assurances that smaller firms can maintain access to the single market, and for steps to protect inward investment.

Directly and indirectly, many small businesses have benefited from EU funds, some channelled toward infrastructure and others toward local initiatives. FSB members want reassurance that all schemes remain fully-funded in the short-term and a full assessment of the future of EU-funded schemes takes place.

Mike Cherry continued:

“FSB will continue to be a constructive partner in these negotiations and push for swift clarity on these crucial questions. We will seek to ensure that the confidence of the UK’s 5.4 million small businesses, which is already at its lowest level since 2013, does not fall any further. Next week, FSB will discuss this issue with members from across the UK at our regional policy conference.”

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