The meeting followed a joint letter drafted by the eoa working with Family Business UK, Federation of Small Businesses, IPSE and Small Business Britain calling on the Prime Minister to ensure he and his team are hearing from a diverse range of businesses about the challenges and opportunities facing our economy.
The very constructive meeting covered a wide range of issue, including prompt payment, skills and apprenticeships, digitisation and access to finance, with an intention from all parties that the group to meet regularly to share insights and work constructively together to ensure government policies deliver for the whole business community.
Small Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said:
“Government will always back small businesses, they are the hearts of our communities and local economies.
“I was pleased to discuss in No10 how we’re tackling key issues for SMEs such as access to finance and late payments, and we look forward to continuing this engagement with the small business community.”
James de le Vingne, Chief Executive of the eoa, said:
“Following great conversations with No10 taking in learning from all sections of the UK economy, we are delighted to continue these engagements so we can support the right conditions for all businesses to thrive and be part of the drive to have the best impacts on people, planet and place.”
Neil Davy, Family Business UK CEO, said:
“Each model of business ownership faces unique challenges; each requires specific support to help grow and reach its potential. We all agree we want the UK to have a thriving economy and a supportive regulatory and tax environment that enables businesses, communities and families prosper for generations to come, and we look forward to continuing to work together to deliver that. This meeting was a great first step to achieving that.”
Tina McKenzie, Policy & Advocacy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, said:
“Building on the pro-small business measures announced in the Autumn Statement, this project is welcome progress from previous big business-focused consultative groups. We’re excited to be working with No10 on proposals we’ve put to them which we think would better understand entrepreneurs, the versatile set-up models that work for them and their employees, and overcoming barriers to expanding a business.”
Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder, Small Business Britain said:
“Following our positive conversation, we’re looking forward to continuing our work with Number 10 to support UK small businesses, particularly in key areas of growth and opportunity such as sustainability, diversity and inclusion. Ensuring small firms – particularly the very smallest micro-businesses and start-ups – have access to the right skills to take the first steps of growth is a key priority for 2024 that we look forward to working with Government on.”
Andy Chamberlain, Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed, said:
“It’s essential that key policy makers engage with all business, from the biggest to the very smallest. This was a positive meeting and we look forward to working more closely with No 10 on the issues facing those who work for themselves.”