Business planning

FSB outlines small business priorities after post-Brexit business summit

Simple single market access, an ability to hire the right people and continued, secure access to funding for key schemes are some of the essential requirements the small business community wishes to safeguard as Britain begins to renegotiate its relationship with the EU.

A clear regulatory framework for the future has also been called for, so that small business owners can successfully plan their route to growth in a time of uncertainty that could follow a vote to leave.

Chairman at the Federation of Businesses (FSB), Mike Cherry, outlined some of the priorities of small businesses while attending an emergency post-Brexit business summit, held by business secretary Sajid Javid, in Westminster on 28 June.

Cherry said: At the summit, I stressed the need for immediate action to reassure small firms so they can continue to trade and do business.

Reassuring his organisation’s members, Cherry went on to say: When the negotiations start, FSB will be a constructive partner and a strong voice for small businesses, pushing for swift clarity on these crucial points.

Assembling the heads of Britain’s leading trade associations as well as representatives from many of the UK’s largest sectors, including defence, oil and gas, food and drink, aerospace and the automotive sectors, the business secretary called for solidarity in the face of economic uncertainty whilst acknowledging the possibility of opportunities further down the road.

Javid reassured trade and industry figureheads that negotiations on Britain’s future relationship with the EU would be carried out in the interests of UK firms.