Small businesses set agenda ahead of G7 conference

In a joint statement, the SME7 collective also urges leaders to “support small businesses on their journeys to reduce carbon emissions”, “address the digital divide” and “champion a small business-friendly international trading framework”, asks aligning with the G7 policy priority areas outlined by the government.

Small and mid-sized firms make-up 99 per cent of businesses across the G7. The groups, which together represent 13 million businesses internationally, argue that smaller firms and sole traders “must be top of mind” as conference talks progress.

In addition to the joint statement, FSB has put forward seven specific recommendations covering the G7 priority areas. The UK’s business group is urging policymakers to:

• Introduce a World Trade Organisation (WTO) committee dedicated to the trading needs of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. 

• Ensure any future free trade agreements include dedicated small business chapters, so that smaller firms can make the most of preferential terms, comparable to that included in the EU-UK deal.  

• Unlock the potential of small firms that sell goods and services online by removing barriers to access and digitising customs paperwork.

• Introduce digital vouchers to ensure small firms can access the right tech and training.

• Deliver full fibre broadband connectivity for every small business premises.

• Radically reform business taxation to make it fairer for small businesses at the heart of community high streets.