Small business really must come first, say Conservatives
Posted, July 09, 2008 @ 00:00
Conservatives in the European Parliament have backed a new political initiative, the Small Business Act, which aims to encourage the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The plans will encourage all EU countries to make a stronger effort to remove the regulatory burden in SMEs. There are also plans to encourage entrepreneurship, improve information on single market opportunities and provide new means to finance growing companies.
Conservative Internal Market spokesman Malcolm Harbour MEP has welcomed the Small Business Act. He said:
"Successful small enterprises are crucial to economic growth and job creation. They are also vital for driving innovation and new technology. The adoption of these wide ranging plans is a clear sign that the role of SMEs is being properly understood, but regulators must take this seriously. So far, SMEs have been very disappointed at the amount of legislation they have to deal with.
"I particularly welcome the endorsement of our ideas for giving SMEs more information and encouragement to access the Single Market for goods and services. We have raised their expectations and now the European Union and all its Member administrations have to deliver. We are encouraged by this Commission initiative, and will continue our strong campaigning on behalf of SMEs."
To view the 'Small Business Act' please go to -http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/entrepreneurship/sba_en.htm