EU 'good for business but needs more flexibility for future' says FSB

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) delivered the message that the EU is good for business, but needs more flexibility in the future at the European Parliament today (13 February). At the launch of its European election manifesto, the FSB will highlight how UK firms have benefited from the lifting of trade barriers and free movement of goods and services that stem from the creation of the Single Market. However, the FSB believes the EU needs reform for UK businesses to compete in a global market.

The FSB will be at the heart of the debate to ensure EU policymakers think about the impact on business growth from new legislation. New proposals must pass the ‘Think Small First’ test from the outset.  That way the full benefits of the Single Market and EU membership can be delivered and demonstrated to UK small businesses, many of whom are only just recovering from the recession.

The manifesto sets out what small businesses want candidates to do if elected in three months’ time. FSB members want the next Parliament of the European Union to:

• ‘Think Small First’ throughout the whole policy cycle by breaking down barriers in the Single Market and reducing the effects of burdensome laws on the smallest businesses.
• Give small firms the best chance to be successful by creating a culture of entrepreneurship.
• Ensure important trade deals like the upcoming EU-US negotiations support the growth aspirations of small firms.

FSB National Policy Chairman Mike Cherry said: “We want to see the next Parliament of the European Union champion small businesses. UK firms have benefited from the lifting of trade barriers and the free movement of goods and services that stem from the creation of the Single Market. However, the EU needs to reform further to ensure our businesses are able compete with emerging powers in today’s global economy.

“We want to see measures to accelerate the completion of the Single Market and a more flexible, proportionate approach taken towards regulation that hits small firms hardest, and is often cited by FSB members as a key concern affecting their growth aspirations.”

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