SBS makes progress in small business push
The government is claiming to have made 'significant progress' with the 'Think Small First' strategy being pushed by the Small Business Service, trade minister Nigel Griffiths has told the Commons.
He said the SBS has consulted across Whitehall to ensure all departments consider the impact of their actions on small businesses. The ‘Think Small First’ strategy was originally launched by DTI minister Patricia Hewitt in June 2000 in her capacity as then small business minister.
Replying to a question from Upminster Conservative MP Angela Watkinson, Griffiths said the Business Link Operator network had been restructured and the national information and advisory service launched to provide a more consistent and customer focused service to small business.
This news comes as a Enterpriser survey by Ernst & young found that more than three-quarters of UK entrepreneurs believe the government is not doing enough to address their needs.
The government has come under fire from organisations like the CBI and the IoD over the last 18 months for the amount of unnecessary legislation hampering small business and entrepreneurial efforts in the UK.