The main political parties are vying for the support of the small business, with Ed Miliband last week declaring that Labour were now “the party of the small business”. But there a number of things any party wanting to achieve that status needs to do says David Brassington of CMC, who works with small business owners to achieve their objectives.
“It’s obviously good news that the parties are wanting to help small business, but in these current times they need more than rhetoric – but also action,” says David. “From the businesses that I work with there are some very clear messages about what will help them, whether they are a start-up, trying to grow their business or thinking ahead to succession plans.”
These are David’s top 5 tips for political parties wanting to be supportive of the small business owner.
Reduced red tape: health and safety; employment; VAT; tax etc. All impose significant work on a small business owner, and a fear of the consequences of getting something wrong!
Access to finance: “Banks are only prepared to lend money when I don’t need it,” is a common phrase I hear.
Access to public sector contracts: Responding to tenders requires a lot of work. Small businesses don’t have the resources to complete lengthy, bureaucratic forms. Bodies issuing the tenders have no regard for the cost and time burden that is placed on a small business wishing to be considered for the work.
Prompt payments: small businesses cannot afford to be subsidising the working capital of their customers
Employment costs: there are serious financial disincentives for a small business considering employing other people.
David is an experienced Managing Director and senior manager who works as an advisor or non-executive director with owner managed businesses throughout Cambridgeshire. He has a practical approach to helping owners enhance and, if appropriate, realise the value in their company. He assists owners to improve business performance or develop succession and exit plans. He also has experience of raising finance, company sales and has led a successful Management Buy-Out.
CMC Partners are experienced business advisers, helping small business owners to achieve their own personal objectives, throughout their business journey. Client industries currently include digital marketing, design communication agencies, manufacturing, engineering, IT, construction, wholesale, health, transportation, technology and professional services.
______________________________________________________