FOLLOWING the Chancellor’s speech announcing the Government’s Plan for Change today, Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said:

“Today’s rallying cry for Government to choose growth is exactly what the economy needs. It sends a strong, confident message that from now on growth comes first, and any barriers to that will be erased. 

“This decision on Heathrow is totemic, and faster action to unblock decisions on infrastructure projects is entirely right. Small firms want to see infrastructure upgrades and to enjoy the benefits of better connectivity. Increased exports, tourism, and more growth-oriented regulations will help to unlock success.  

“The Chancellor is right to tackle supply-side constraints, and now we must see every single Cabinet Minister, and every arm of the state, double down on growth action and scrap anti-growth policies that hold businesses, jobs and living standards back.

“To get these new projects built rapidly and cost-efficiently, Government must use our fantastic small engineering, construction and business sector, with a much-improved procurement process, simpler applications and set targets for SME involvement.

“Today’s announcements must herald the start of an unyielding focus on growth, and more action to help small firms. Pro-growth choices, whether through the Spending Review, the next King’s Speech with a new Small Business Bill, action on regulators, improving the Employment Rights Bill and revolutionising HMRC’s customer service, are an absolute must. The whole country needs to prove the UK is a great place to do business, and that entrepreneurs can be given the confidence necessary to make growth a reality.

“While there is a huge amount to do, the ambition on show today points the way forward for Government. So much is needed, but better, stronger growth is possible. Small firms are the ones who will help us achieve big growth in the areas that need it the most.”