Campaign Aims To 'Get Britain Trading'

A new campaign aimed at transforming the fortunes of smaller firms across the UK was launched today by a leading business group.

Get Britain Trading, the brainchild of the Forum of Private Business, aims to raise awareness of the huge contribution small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make to the UK economy.

It also aims to make that contribution even bigger, and help push forward economic recovery, by vastly improving the conditions smaller businesses are forced to operate under.

In order for the campaign to work, the Forum is calling on as many SMEs as possible to get behind it by visiting a specially-created website - www.getbritaintrading.co.uk

On the site, business owners are invited to sign up to the 'Get Britain Trading pledge', which is an expression of support for the campaign and its aims. Business owners will receive a free practical guide filled with expert advice on common small business issues such as bank lending, late payment and cost reduction.

Get Britain Trading calls for number of radical changes to be made in order to allow smaller businesses in the UK to thrive, which in turn will boost employment and prosperity at a time of widespread economic uncertainty.

The Forum is arguing that if action is taken to tackle problems such as excessively complex tax laws, stifling workplace regulations and crippling fuel and utility costs, SMEs will be much more willing to create new jobs and spend money on products and services from other businesses.

Setting in motion this 'ripple effect' of increased business confidence and investment is at the centre the new campaign.

Forum of Private Business Chief Executive Phil Orford said: "We want business owners across the UK to help to us help them by backing Get Britain Trading.

"We really believe this campaign can transform the small business landscape in the UK and free SMEs from the shackles of excessive red tape, mind-bogglingly complex tax laws and all the other things which can make running your own business a constant uphill struggle.

"But in order for Get Britain Trading to be a success, we need as many firms as possible to visit www.getbritaintrading.co.uk and sign our pledge.

"There are around 4.8 million SMEs in the UK so, if we all pull together, we can create an incredibly powerful collective voice which politicians cannot ignore."

(BMcN)