So we changed Government recently what plans have they got in store for business owners in the UK?
The new coalition government has unveiled a summary of its "programme for government", which contains many plans which could benefit the UK's small businesses.
Here are some of their business aspirations:
- Reforms to the banking system, ensuring that SMEs have access to credit via a new loan guarantee programme;
- Plans to slash red tape via a new 'one-in, one-out' rule which will ensure that no new regulation can be introduced without another being cut by a larger amount;
- The controversial IR35 rules will be reviewed as part of an overall review of small business taxation;
- The government will find a practical way to ensure that small business rate relief is automatic;
- Reduction in the number of forms required to register a new business, and a move towards a ‘one-click’ registration model;
- The public will be given the opportunity to challenge the worst regulations;
- An aspiration for one quarter of all government contracts to be awarded to SMEs;
- An aspiration to become the leading hi-tech exporter in Europe;
As for how and when this happens we will have to wait and see. Some announcements were made in the recent “Emergency Budget” (see also our article on this budget).
What is clear is that changes are coming.