Weekly Brief 20 of 2012
Saturday, 19 May 2012 08:40
Martin Limburn
Week 20 of 2012 Friday 18 May 2012
Figures this week showed that unemployment fell by 45,000 to 2.6 million, and self-employment reached a record figure of 4.1 million, up by 89,000 on the previous quarter. The FSB welcomed the positive news, but warned that small firms need the Government to put long-term policies in place to continue the trend. Read National Chairman, John Walker’s comments in the Independent.
The FSB and the All Party Parliamentary Small Business Group launched a report this week on the barriers to entrepreneurship at an event introduced by Anne Marie Morris MP and with speeches from Business Secretary Vince Cable MP and Iain Duncan Smith MP, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. The group called for the New Enterprise Allowance Scheme to be extended to encourage more budding entrepreneurs to use the scheme. Read the press release and view photos on the FSB’s Facebook fanpage.
FSB Village at the Business Show
This week the FSB hosted a number of political speakers in the FSB Village at the Business Show at the Excel in London, including the Business Minister Mark Prisk MP, Ian Murray MP from the Shadow Business team and Lord Taylor, a minister at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Catherine McKinnell, Labour MP, mentioned that the FSB believes that a lack of consumer demand and access to finance are two of the biggest barriers to growth in a Commons debate on Business and the Economy as part of a series of debates following the Queen’s Speech.
The FSB called for the National Insurance Contributions holiday to be extended to existing businesses, as new figures show that only 2,606 start-ups have taken advantage of the scheme in the three months to March. Read comments in the Daily Telegraph.
Small businesses ‘whingeing’
The FSB warned in the Daily Mail that the Government needs to do more to help instil emerging confidence so that small businesses can grow, following comments by Defence Secretary Phillip Hammond after he accused businesses of whingeing.
The Sunday Trading (London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games) Bill received Royal Assent on 1 May. You can find information on the suspension and guidance for employers and employees on the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills website.
The National Apprenticeship and Training Awards 2012 are open for entries. The awards aim to celebrate and recognise exceptional apprentices, apprenticeships and training. They are urging more small organisations to enter the Awards to showcase their achievements. The deadline is 25 May 2012. Find out more.
Independent Retailer Month
The FSB is supporting Independent Retailer Month in July. The campaign highlights the important role small, local, independent retailers play in the communities they serve, the local economy they contribute to, and in the retail sector as a whole. Find out more about how to get involved.
Facebook application to promote Real-Life Entrepreneurs
The FSB has launched an application on its Facebook Page where businesses can enter their details, upload photos and videos and share business tips to promote their business. Firms can then share the post and get friends to vote for them to become a featured business and get to the top of the leader board.
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Small firms losing battle for public sector work
Monday, 07 May 2012 17:28
Martin Limburn
FSB News Release
Issue date: Tuesday 1 May 2012
Small firms losing battle for public sector work
Small businesses are still struggling to win public sector contracts despite the Government’s efforts to make it easier, the latest figures from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) show.
The ‘Voice of Small Business’ survey panel of FSB members in England reveals 40 per cent of small firms believe the tendering process for public sector contracts is too complex, while 37 per cent think they are sidelined by public officials who believe bigger firms must be better.
The findings come despite the Government’s launch of its Contracts Finder website designed to make it easier for small firms to find and bid for public sector work.
The survey of more than 2,700 FSB members showed that although one in seven firms had bid for a public sector contract in the last year, 41 per cent failed to secure any business from any of the bids they had submitted.
Of those firms that had won contracts, only a quarter (27%) said they had found the Contracts Finder website useful, with twice that number (55%) relying on personal contacts and referrals.
The survey’s key findings reveal:
- 40 per cent of firms want a simplified tendering process
- 38 per cent believe the public sector should actively use small businesses or encourage consortia of small and medium sized firms where possible
- 38 per cent believe public sector bosses should evaluate tenders based experience and ability rather than on the size and turnover of bidding firms
While there has been welcome progress with central Government’s performance, the FSB has long said that its initiatives will not go far enough unless they are adopted by the wider public sector. So the FSB is calling for all parts of the public sector to agree to the range of measures to support small firms detailed in the Procurement Pledge published by the Government last week.
The FSB is also taking action by undertaking its own research into local government procurement, surveying every council in the UK in order to identify and promote best practice.
John Walker, National Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses, said:
“The Government has made an effort to raise awareness in the public sector that Britain’s entrepreneurs and small businesses are willing and able business partners.
“But clearly more must be done. While central government has raised its game, without a true culture change across the public sector as a whole the Government’s initiatives will have little impact.”
Last Updated on Monday, 07 May 2012 17:33
FSB: Regulation watchdog needs sharp teeth
Monday, 26 March 2012 07:19
Martin Limburn
FSB News Release
Issue date: Friday 23 March 2012
FSB: Regulation watchdog needs sharp teeth
The independent body set up to scrutinise new Government regulations needs sharper teeth to defend small businesses against poorly framed regulations, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned.
Marking the first anniversary of the Government’s moratorium from new domestic regulation for micro businesses, the FSB has published a report which argues that the Regulatory Policy Committee (RPC) needs more powers to scrutinise performance, advocate regulatory reform and act as an ombudsman.
The report, entitled ‘Regulatory reform: where next?’, also calls on the Government to look at models from the USA, Australia and the Netherlands to see what structural changes could be put in place to improve to UK’s regulatory system.
John Walker, National Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses, said:
“Poorly designed, ill-thought out regulation isn’t just an irritation for small businesses, it costs in time, money and may not even achieve what it set out to. It’s good that the Regulatory Policy Committee is there to clamp down on this sort of bad regulation, and we welcome the Government’s progress so far on this issue, but the RPC needs real powers if it is to drive change and challenge Whitehall culture. It needs to be able to scrutinise performance in a transparent way and be a powerful advocate for Government-wide change.”
While the FSB welcomes the Government’s regulatory reform programme so far, FSB figures show that in the last year four in 10 small firms saw the cost of complying with regulation increase and six in 10 said the cost of complying with regulation costs more than £1,000 a year. And despite numerous initiatives, only one in three impact assessments for new regulations show the regulations are fully fit for purpose. Further, the UK ranks 83 out of 142 for the compliance burden it places on businesses.
The FSB believes that this performance could be improved if the RPC was able, for example, to ensure that issues it identifies in impact assessments were thoroughly addressed by the relevant Government department, and it was able to publish its opinions on all impact assessments.
The RPC should be given powers to:
- Scrutinise: by allowing it to publish its opinions and produce annual reports on department’s performance on all regulatory reform measures
- Advocate: suggest, advise and explore alternatives to regulation, special measures or exemptions for micro businesses and other measures that will help improve regulation for small businesses
- Act as an ombudsman: be a single point of contact for small businesses if problems arise
FSB Budget reaction: welcome measures but still a missing link
Monday, 26 March 2012 07:14
Martin Limburn
FSB News Release
Issue date: Wednesday 21 March 2012
FSB Budget reaction: welcome measures but still a missing link
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed the Chancellor’s Budget speech. Commenting on the speech, John Walker, National Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses, said:
“We asked for a Budget with long-term measures to help to instil confidence, rather than a barrage of micro-measures that have a limited impact on the ground. We are pleased with some of the actions to cut the burden of red tape, help to get our young workers into employment, and measures to improve access to finance. Especially welcome are the proposals to simplify the tax system for the country’s smallest companies. However, petrol prices remain a major concern for small businesses and we would have liked some further action on reducing the level of fuel duty to help struggling small firms.
“The key to nurturing the economy back to full health is by tackling the budget deficit and the FSB continues to support the Government’s debt reduction plan. The FSB welcomes the fiscally neutral budget and is pleased with the OBR’s positive revision to growth forecasts this year, along with forecasts for falling inflation.
“But, to ensure that businesses can be properly supported and to bring together the measures that have been announced, we are disappointed that there were no plans to look into setting up a Small Business Administration – a department to champion small firms at the heart of Government with a cabinet level minister. This is the missing link to ensuring that all initiatives have the maximum impact for small firms.”
Commenting on tax simplification plans John Walker, National Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses, said:
“Plans to move to a simpler ‘cash accounts’ system will bring huge deregulatory benefits to small businesses, and is something the FSB has long been calling for. Many small firms will already use a ‘cash accounting’ system and so the moves to allow businesses with a turnover of less than £77,000 to use this system will be welcome. Research by the FSB for the Office of Tax Simplification found that on average 50 per cent of small firms spend between two and eight hours understanding, calculating and completing tax returns. This system will make it easier for those businesses. What we need to see now is HMRC develop a better relationship with business to ensure tax compliance. ”
“We are disappointed that the Chancellor has not announced a cut in the level of fuel duty and that the rise deferred to August is still to go ahead. This will still hit small businesses and households hard and so we need to see a long term solution to address high and volatile fuel prices. We remain concerned that the Government’s Fair Fuel Stabiliser will not trigger an actual reduction in the price paid at the pumps.”
“With two in five small businesses still struggling to access finance through the banks it is vital for growth that there are alternatives they can go to. So the £1.1 billion Business Finance Partnership is welcome as it will open up non-bank lending for businesses. The further extension to the Enterprise Finance Guarantee will also be beneficial to small firms and the expansion of UK Export Finance will benefit businesses that want to export.”
“Further to the publication of the Breedon report into alternative sources of finance last week, we hope that the Government will accept its recommendations into non-bank lending. Notably that it will look to put all its financial products under one umbrella organisation. This is a good first step to creating the Small Business Administration that we have been calling for.
“The announcement that the Chancellor will look at introducing Enterprise Loans for young people to start their own businesses is very welcome. More than three-quarters of 11-18 year olds would like to set up their own business so loans to help them do so will be a great help. The FSB has long said that Government should prioritise and support enterprise to young people in education so that setting up on their own is an option.”
“The raised aspirations for broadband development to make 10 cities in Britain super connected are welcome, but we must not forget about rural Britain where a lot of small businesses are based. Digital services in some parts of rural Britain are still wholly inadequate, and that is where efforts should be focused to avoid a digital divide.”
“We are pleased with the Government’s renewed focus on the UK’s road network. The poor state of roads costs small businesses £5,000 a year due to congestion and poor maintenance. However, it must be remembered that putting a cost on roads is yet another overhead for small firms, which could be damaging at a time when the price of fuel is having a negative effect on businesses.
“It is important that any money collected through tolls is used solely to fund the road infrastructure network. Many would argue that the water crisis in the south and the impending energy crisis show the limitations of the private sector in achieving a long term vision. We do not want to see this repeated on Britain’s road network that is so vital to small businesses.”
Plymouth’s Premier Public Speaking Club Wants New Members!
Sunday, 05 February 2012 15:13
Martin Limburn
Plymouth’s Premier Public Speaking Club Wants New Members!
Self-development is extremely important in this crippling, challenging and competitive economy. Today’s employers expect every employee to have refined communication skills along with extensive leadership experience, and with huge cuts in both the public and private sector, investing in yourself is a very smart idea.
Unarguably, great communication is essential in every part of life, whether that be making a presentation at work or giving a speech at a wedding. Dragon’s Den Deborah Meaden once said “There is no point in speaking, unless you are convincing and you can speak with conviction.”
But can communication skills be improved? Many people make the mistaken assumption that great speaking, especially public speaking is an inherited skill - you’ve either got it or you haven’t. In fact, like any other skill, public speaking requires knowledge and experience gained through regular practise.
There is absolutely no need to pay hundreds or even thousands of pounds attending self-development courses whose effectiveness can sometimes be difficult to gauge.
Toastmasters International is probably the most cost-effective self-development programme on the planet…..and anybody is welcome to join!
Founded in California in 1924 to help ‘ordinary’ people acquire and develop public speaking and leadership skills, the organisation today has more than 270,000 members worldwide whom benefit from the effective education it provides. The good news is there is no need to travel to California to profit from this world-renowned organisation. Plymouth has its very own thriving Toastmasters group called Armada Speakers. The club is made up of 20 to 25 people who meet once every two weeks for 2 hours on a Tuesday evening. Each meeting gives everyone attending an opportunity to practice the following skills in a relaxed and supportive environment:
* Presenting prepared speeches
* Giving impromptu talks
* Conducting meetings
* Offering constructive evaluation
Plymouth’s members are made up of people from all walks of life. Some members are trying to overcome deep seated fears of public speaking whilst others enjoy the chance to improve their existing competency in front of a supportive audience acting as a team of ‘critical friends’
At only £55 for a 6 month membership (less than a pint of beer each week!), it is significantly more cost effective than enrolling on a formal course and so much more fun!
To attend a meeting for free, turn up at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel on Millbay Road on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, starting at 7:00pm. The next meetings are Tuesday February 21st followed by Tuesday March 6th. For more information, visit the Toastmaster’s website www.toastmasters.org ! Or visit the clubs website at www.armadaspeakers.org.uk
If you have any questions about the Plymouth club, email Our President Martin Limburn
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Buy With Confidence
Saturday, 30 October 2010 13:58
Martin Limburn
Plymouth has signed up the 25th member of the
Buy With Confidence
Approved Trader scheme Consumers in Plymouth are now able to buy with confidence as Plymouth recently joined an initiative aimed at promoting the city’s many good traders and helping consumers avoid rogue traders. Plymouth City Council joined the Buy With Confidence scheme which is open to many different kinds of businesses; Plymouth had initially encouraged the kinds of businesses that usually contract with their customers in their homes such as builders and gardeners to sign up but we now have a wide range of trades to choose from including retailers and surveyors.
Only good, honest traders get approved because, as part of the application process, the business will be checked for trustworthiness and fair trading practices. Only if the business passes all of the stringent checks will it be able to display the Buy With Confidence logo. Whilst part of the scheme, the business will be monitored to make sure standards remain high.
Inclusion in the list means that the local business aims to give a good, reliable and customer friendly service. Displaying the Buy With Confidence logo shows that the business is willing to go the extra mile for it’s customers. How the scheme works - There is a set fee for businesses to sign up; this depends on the number of employees.
- Potential for increased sales
- Promotion on Buy With Confidence website
- Buy With Confidence logo can be used on all advertising, paperwork and vehicles
- Membership certificate and weather-proof stickers provided to advertise membership
- Hotlink to the business website via Buy With Confidence website
- Increased consumer confidence in the business
- Impartial help and advice if problems arise
- Inclusion on the Which?Local website
- The scheme is part of a national campaign: www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk
Last Updated on Saturday, 30 October 2010 14:24
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