Complex tax rules Stifle small businesses

An FSB and ICM survey shows that three quarters of businesses would grow their business if the tax regime was easier to understand.

Research carried out by the FSB and ICM of over 1,600 small businesses showed that 75 per cent of small businesses believe that they would be able to grow their business if the UK tax system was simplified.

Over a third (34%) of businesses surveyed said they found income tax the most difficult issue to deal with, while 52 per cent citied taxable allowances – the amount a person is taxed on – hardest to get to grips with. Over half (52%) said VAT is the easiest type of taxation to understand.

Many businesses do not feel confident dealing with tax issues, with 66 per cent employing professional help. Half of businesses spend less than two hours per week on fulfilling their tax responsibilities, but for one in 10 it takes up more than six hours of their time.

Read the full article on the FSB website.

Six Months On

It is six months since the Federation of Small Businesses launched its Keep Trade Local campaign and as national campaigns go, it would appear that it has been a resounding success.

Most recently the FSB took the campaign to the party conferences where it has won the support of MPs and Ministers across the political spectrum.

The campaign will now move to tackling the issue of crime against business and the growing problem of the ever shrinking Post Office network on which many small businesses rely, not only for their mail but for banking and other services, especially in rural communities.

If you want to make your voice heard, join the FSB campaign today and sign the online petition.

Parking Manifesto

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) says that local Authorities are using parking charges as a source of revenue, but in market towns across the country this strategy is bleeding our high streets dry.

As part of their Keep Trade Local campaign, the FSB has launched its parking manifesto. Policies for Sustainable Communities.

Keep Trade Local Campaign

The FSB is non-profit making and non-party political.

The FSB is the largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms. Formed in 1974, it now has over 210,000 members across 33 regions and 230 branches.

On the member benefits side, it offers assistance and support 24 hours a day, while its lobbying arm – led by the Westminster Press and Parliamentary office – applies pressure on MPs, Government and Whitehall, lobbies politicians in their constituencies and puts the FSB viewpoint over to the media.

One of the major benefits is the FSB’s legal helpline which operates 24 hours a day. Last year, the helpline received over 100,000 calls, the majority of calls on employment matters but also dealing with issues such as commercial contract, landlord and tenant and consumer affairs.

Joining the FSB is easy and inexpensive with many member benefits.