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June 10, 2016

Entrepreneurs get new voice in Parliament

Entrepreneurs get new voice in ParliamentSmall business leaders are to get a new voice in Parliament with the launch of a new All Party Parliamentary Group for Entrepreneurship.

Launched by Sajid Javid, secretary of state for business, innovation and skills, the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Entrepreneurship will focus on issues such as skills, regulation and tax.

"The APPG for Entrepreneurship … will make sure the voice of entrepreneurs is heard loud and clear in Parliament," said Sajid Javid. "I want to make Britain the best place to start and grow a business by backing entrepreneurs to drive forward our economy."

Alan Mak MP, chair of the APPG for Entrepreneurship, said: "Economic growth driven by innovation, exports and educational excellence is at the top of the Government's agenda. The new Entrepreneurship APPG will be a key bridge between Westminster policymakers and entrepreneurs across Britain."

He added: "Britain is in a global race for success and we need to get to the future first. Our entrepreneurs play a vital role and I'm confident that our new parliamentary group can provide them with the backing - and strong voice - they deserve, in Westminster and beyond."

In its first year, the APPG for Entrepreneurship will focus on four key areas - enterprise in education, exporting, female business founders and tax reform.

According to The Entrepreneurs Network, the secretariat for the APPG, tax reform is top of the agenda. Its latest survey of entrepreneurs found that tax was the biggest concern for business owners and 85% said lowering business taxes would have a positive impact. In addition, 79% favoured cutting personal taxes and 78% wanted to see less red tape.

Philip Salter, founder of The Entrepreneurs Network said: "It's time for politicians across the Houses of Parliament to get stuck into the policies that will make a real and lasting difference."

The new group will host events and conduct regular surveys of entrepreneurs to make sure their views are being heard.

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