Business support must reflect restrictions, say small firms

Responding to a reversal of plans to allow more small firms in England to re-open from tomorrow, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chairman Mike Cherry said:

“Today’s announcement will come as a massive blow to thousands of small firms, soon-to-be newlyweds, artists and sportspeople. However, we were warned that restrictions will need to be responsive to any resurgence in transmissions.

“If the rules for businesses are going to be stop-start – which is understandable – then business support from government needs to reflect that fact. The job retention scheme, bounce back loan scheme and tax breaks have had a big impact to date, and it would be wrong to wind down support while restrictions are increased.

“What we absolutely have to avoid is a scenario where whole swathes of the small business community – not least those in the creative industries, tourism and leisure sectors – are wiped out entirely. And of course we still have thousands of company directors and newly self-employed who have been left with no help at all for more than 130 days.

About 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.