MP highlights importance of SMEs
The House of Lords Select Committee on SME Exports has issued a call for evidence. The Committee, chaired by Lord Cope, is tasked with examining what the Government is doing to assist and promote SME exports. In May 2011, UK Trade and Investment announced its strategy to boost exports: the Committee will assess how successful this strategy has been at the SME level.
The Committee is soliciting short written submissions in response to a number of questions it has drawn up. Amongst other areas, the questions cover the current state of the export market, any regulatory or financial barriers to exports, incentives and possible Government actions to improve the export environment. Submissions will be used as evidence in the Committee’s forthcoming report on SME exports. The deadline for written evidence is 14th September 2012.
John said:
“SMEs are crucial to the success of the British economy, accounting for nearly 60% of private sector employment. They also contribute significantly to our exports.”
“I encourage all SMEs to respond to the Parliamentary Inquiry with examples of what the Government could do to better assist exports. I have long argued for reduced business taxes and regulation, and better access to bank finance. But this Inquiry rightly also wants to hear directly from SMEs.”
Ends
Word Count: 225
Date: 6th September 2012
Notes to Editors:
- Full details, including the questions, are available at: http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/lords-select/small-medium-enterprises-committee/news/call-for-evidence-published/.
- Evidence can be submitted by e-mail, post or fax.
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