David Cameron and George Osborne were joined by 20 FSB members for the event at Chadkirk Business Park near Romiley, where a variety of small business related issues were discussed. Business rates, waste management and landfill tax, topics around exporting, fuel duty, and how government could help small firms with tax breaks were all up for discussion.
The FSB’s National Chair, John Allan, also attended the event, and joined Regional Chair for Manchester & North Cheshire, Simon Edmondson, in greeting David Cameron and George Osborne before the Q&A session kicked off.
Opening the meeting, David Cameron told the audience: “As you might have heard we have a long term economic plan that we want to see through to completion, and I hope you agree that we’ve had some good economic news in terms of growth, job creation, business creation, and that we have a framework where inflation is low.
“Key to that continuing is going to be SME’s ability to grow. I know where job creation is coming from, it’s coming from start-ups and small businesses taking on more people. And so what I really want to do this morning hear what more can be done to help SMEs.
“As a government we try to listen to the small business voice in terms of rates, energy costs, in terms of bureaucracy, and employment legislation, but there’s always more to be done.”
Regional Chair Simon Edmondson said: “The Prime Minister and the Chancellor are certainly demonstrating their commitment to Greater Manchester, and it’s quite clear they see the region as pivotal to their Northern Powerhouse vision.
“Today’s event was a great opportunity for members to really have their say with two political heavyweights. Both men listened carefully to the views expressed by those FSB members present, and have even pledged to intervene on a couple of issues raised.
“This is very much part of what being an FSB member is all about – having a voice where it counts.”
