Menu
23/02/2011
Welcome For EU Review Of Support For Small Businesses
The UK Government, alongside other European member states including Belgium and Italy, today welcomed publication of the European Commission’s Small Business Act Review.
The three Member States have committed to working together in Europe to promote the interests of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and have urged the Commission to host a forum for small business ministers as part of a renewed focus on putting SMEs at the heart of European decisions.
In a joint statement they said: “This Review sends a clear signal about the central importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the European economy. The 2008 Small Business Act marked a milestone by committing Europe to put SMEs at the heart of decisions and created a useful policy tool for improving the conditions in which they operate. Almost three years after its adoption, it is helpful to take stock.
“As Europe faces the challenges of the 21st century, SMEs will play a vital role as engines of growth and jobs. We will continue to implement national policies to encourage enterprise and support our small businesses. And we will work together in Europe to remove barriers to success. Above all, we must ensure EU regulations do not place unnecessary burdens on our small businesses, that SMEs are able to secure the finance they need and that they can readily take advantage of new market opportunities.
“We call on the Commission to play its part in reinforcing the Small Business Act by: ensuring decisions taken in Brussels improve the operating environment for SMEs; and enabling a more transparent and regular exchange of ideas amongst member states. The Commission should host a forum for small business Ministers to share their experiences. This would create a practical mechanism to improve the visibility of SME policies across Europe, spread best practice and encourage effective action.”
Business and Enterprise Minister Mark Prisk said: “I am delighted today to join my European counterparts in sending a strong message that Europe needs an SME-friendly business environment, enabling small businesses and entrepreneurs to realise their ambitions, without being stifled by unnecessary rules and regulations.
“I fully endorse the idea of an EU forum for small business Ministers and I look forward to meeting European Business Ministers to learn from one another’s experiences and examine how we can work together to unleash entrepreneurial talent and small business growth.”
(BMcN/GK)
The three Member States have committed to working together in Europe to promote the interests of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and have urged the Commission to host a forum for small business ministers as part of a renewed focus on putting SMEs at the heart of European decisions.
In a joint statement they said: “This Review sends a clear signal about the central importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the European economy. The 2008 Small Business Act marked a milestone by committing Europe to put SMEs at the heart of decisions and created a useful policy tool for improving the conditions in which they operate. Almost three years after its adoption, it is helpful to take stock.
“As Europe faces the challenges of the 21st century, SMEs will play a vital role as engines of growth and jobs. We will continue to implement national policies to encourage enterprise and support our small businesses. And we will work together in Europe to remove barriers to success. Above all, we must ensure EU regulations do not place unnecessary burdens on our small businesses, that SMEs are able to secure the finance they need and that they can readily take advantage of new market opportunities.
“We call on the Commission to play its part in reinforcing the Small Business Act by: ensuring decisions taken in Brussels improve the operating environment for SMEs; and enabling a more transparent and regular exchange of ideas amongst member states. The Commission should host a forum for small business Ministers to share their experiences. This would create a practical mechanism to improve the visibility of SME policies across Europe, spread best practice and encourage effective action.”
Business and Enterprise Minister Mark Prisk said: “I am delighted today to join my European counterparts in sending a strong message that Europe needs an SME-friendly business environment, enabling small businesses and entrepreneurs to realise their ambitions, without being stifled by unnecessary rules and regulations.
“I fully endorse the idea of an EU forum for small business Ministers and I look forward to meeting European Business Ministers to learn from one another’s experiences and examine how we can work together to unleash entrepreneurial talent and small business growth.”
(BMcN/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 October 2008
Mandelson Pledges Support For SMEs
The government will push billions of pounds into the small business sector by radically reducing the lag time in paying its bills, Peter Mandelson has announced. This is one of a number of measures to be introduced by the new Business Secretary to help bolster small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK.
Mandelson Pledges Support For SMEs
The government will push billions of pounds into the small business sector by radically reducing the lag time in paying its bills, Peter Mandelson has announced. This is one of a number of measures to be introduced by the new Business Secretary to help bolster small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK.
01 August 2011
Early Measures Will Help SMEs Access Equity Financing
The Financial Secretary to the Treasury has announced that two deregulatory amendments to the EU Prospectus Directive have been brought into effect a year early by the UK to help small businesses access equity finance more cheaply and effectively.
Early Measures Will Help SMEs Access Equity Financing
The Financial Secretary to the Treasury has announced that two deregulatory amendments to the EU Prospectus Directive have been brought into effect a year early by the UK to help small businesses access equity finance more cheaply and effectively.
10 March 2014
More Firms Want To Create Jobs - FSB
The latest Federation of Small Businesses' (FSB) Small Business Index shows an increasing number of businesses want to create jobs in the next three months. This marks the third consecutive quarter of job creation in small firms and provides yet more signs that confidence is returning and that momentum behind economic growth is being maintained.
More Firms Want To Create Jobs - FSB
The latest Federation of Small Businesses' (FSB) Small Business Index shows an increasing number of businesses want to create jobs in the next three months. This marks the third consecutive quarter of job creation in small firms and provides yet more signs that confidence is returning and that momentum behind economic growth is being maintained.
12 December 2011
Labour Launches Small Business Support Plan
Labour is to launch a policy review calling for intervention to channel private investment funds and public contracts towards small businesses.
Labour Launches Small Business Support Plan
Labour is to launch a policy review calling for intervention to channel private investment funds and public contracts towards small businesses.
24 March 2011
Budget’s Small Business Growth Strategy Is Just First Step, Says Forum
One of the UK's leading business organisations is welcoming several short-term measures to boost enterprise announced in yesterday's Budget. However they argue that more must be done in the long-term if small businesses are to truly drive economic growth and job creation.
Budget’s Small Business Growth Strategy Is Just First Step, Says Forum
One of the UK's leading business organisations is welcoming several short-term measures to boost enterprise announced in yesterday's Budget. However they argue that more must be done in the long-term if small businesses are to truly drive economic growth and job creation.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
