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02/06/2006
FSB warns on lack of entrepreneurial spirit in EU
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has published a blueprint for action for small firms in the Europe Union (EU).
“What can Small Businesses do for Europe?” was launched as the FSB formally opened its new Brussels offices with a call to politicians to stop dithering and act to support entrepreneurs.
The FSB has called for action in the following areas:Employment;Thriving communities; Innovation; and Environmental sustainability.
Speaking from Brussels, Wilfred Mitchell, FSB NI Policy Chairman said: “The FSB believes that the entrepreneurial spirit in the EU is being lost and that action is needed now to prevent a downward economic spiral across Europe. There are 23 million small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe. They employ 75 million people, accounting for over 99% of all enterprises. If this sector were to falter, the whole EU economy would suffer.
“At present there are 19 million people in Europe who are unemployed and small firms are a key to creating jobs for the future. For example, if 50% of small firms in the EU employed one more person, 10 million new jobs would be created. However, businesses that are already delivering results and testing the limits of what is possible are being held back from doing so much more.
“To achieve this job creating potential, the FSB believes that the EU must foster a climate where entrepreneurs can flourish. To assist in reaching this goal the FSB has published its blueprint document with a road map to success for the EU institutions, with case studies, to illustrate how progress can be made.
“Entrepreneurs are pro-active problem solvers. We hear far too much in the EU about problems. The FSB is not prepared to sit back and wait for politicians to get their act together. We are proposing solutions now. EU politicians would do well for their constituents by taking these suggestions on board.
“We have brought our message to Brussels with this blueprint for success and we will keep up the pressure from our new EU offices at the heart of European decision making.”
(SP/EF)
“What can Small Businesses do for Europe?” was launched as the FSB formally opened its new Brussels offices with a call to politicians to stop dithering and act to support entrepreneurs.
The FSB has called for action in the following areas:Employment;Thriving communities; Innovation; and Environmental sustainability.
Speaking from Brussels, Wilfred Mitchell, FSB NI Policy Chairman said: “The FSB believes that the entrepreneurial spirit in the EU is being lost and that action is needed now to prevent a downward economic spiral across Europe. There are 23 million small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe. They employ 75 million people, accounting for over 99% of all enterprises. If this sector were to falter, the whole EU economy would suffer.
“At present there are 19 million people in Europe who are unemployed and small firms are a key to creating jobs for the future. For example, if 50% of small firms in the EU employed one more person, 10 million new jobs would be created. However, businesses that are already delivering results and testing the limits of what is possible are being held back from doing so much more.
“To achieve this job creating potential, the FSB believes that the EU must foster a climate where entrepreneurs can flourish. To assist in reaching this goal the FSB has published its blueprint document with a road map to success for the EU institutions, with case studies, to illustrate how progress can be made.
“Entrepreneurs are pro-active problem solvers. We hear far too much in the EU about problems. The FSB is not prepared to sit back and wait for politicians to get their act together. We are proposing solutions now. EU politicians would do well for their constituents by taking these suggestions on board.
“We have brought our message to Brussels with this blueprint for success and we will keep up the pressure from our new EU offices at the heart of European decision making.”
(SP/EF)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
