Small business asks for more support from the Chancellor

The Federation of Small Businesses has called for additional support for businesses located in areas placed in Tier 3, noting that the Chancellor had very little to say about the importance of business and private sector job creation in his spending review last week.

In a statement issued following the Chancellor’s address, FSB national chairman Mike Cherry opined that the spending review was a missed opportunity to help company directors and the newly self-employed who have been left with little or no support all year.

Moreover, Mr Cherry sought recognition for the weight the COVID-19 crisis has placed on the small business community.

"These past nine months have been among some of the most difficult that small firms have ever had to endure and that hardship looks set to continue,” said Mr Cherry.

"For those placed in Tier 3 where the tightest restrictions are set to be implemented, the Government must make sure that all firms are given the proportionate levels of support that they'll need to survive through what normally will be normally the busiest time of the year. Pubs and bars in particular will face a very difficult few weeks ahead and they will need targeted support to survive into the New Year.”

Small firms in all tiers are also asking for reassurance about how long these measures will remain in place, and the longer term measures we can expect to face in the new year.

“In order to safeguard jobs and livelihoods, the government must set out a roadmap as soon as possible,” Mr Cherry urged.

“Small firms and the self-employed living in Tier 3 zones in particular will be desperate for the government to introduce new measures to address the gaping holes in support that remain untouched.”

Meanwhile, he encouraged the public to continue to shop local, shop small and shop small online where possible.

“Small businesses for many are the beating heart of our communities and we must band together to make sure we save small firms and jobs from being lost right across the nation," Mr Cherry said.