FSB Comment on proposed Paternity Law changes
Wilfred Mitchell, FSB Policy Chair:
"These proposed changes on top of a prolonged period of recession could prove very difficult for some small business owners.
"Many will be unable to cope with staff off for such an extended period of time and this in turn puts further pressure on other members of staff and their working conditions, holiday entitlements etc.
"What we need to see now is a period of stability for the business community that will allow the economy an opportunity to recover and grow rather than changes being introduced that will only add to the woes of many small business owners."
Published: 28/01/2010
FSB Comment on GDP figures:
Wilfred Mitchell, FSB Policy Chair:
"The latest GDP figures are encouraging and a very welcome step in the right direction towards recovery.
"However, feedback and evidence from FSB members over the last twelve months clearly indicates that small business owners in Northern Ireland have felt the impact of the economic recession more than their counterparts in the rest of the UK.
"A 0.1 per cent recovery is a frail one and it will take a considerable amount of time to bounce back from such a prolonged and deep period of downturn that has seen thousands of jobs lost, homes repossessed and businesses closed.
"What we need to see now is a real commitment to giving small businesses the tools they need to really speed up this much needed recovery.
"In order to achieve this it is important that we boost consumer confidence and demand and interest rates are held steady as continued investment in the economy will be the key to ensuring a sustainable recovery.
"For small businesses, having access to affordable finance and credit is important, as firms will look to grow and create jobs.
"The FSB is urging the Government to re-think its plans to increase employer National Insurance contributions as this tax on jobs will discourage small businesses from taking on additional staff, which will prevent them from growing and put a further block on economic recovery."
Published: 26/01/2010
Support for Northern Ireland Economic Policy Review
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Northern Ireland has welcomed the commissioning of the Independent Review of Economic Policy (IREP).
The review is a much needed catalyst that, if acted upon as recommended, could help in the goal of maximising the overall delivery of programmes and initiatives directed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, and Invest NI.
While both bodies have done much to attract large investment to Northern Ireland over the years, many small business owners in Northern Ireland have expressed major concerns and disappointments to us in dealings with them.
The Report has given the FSB in Northern Ireland an insight into the performances of DETI and Invest NI, as well as offering practical solutions to both on how they can move forward and, by working with the private sector, can deliver real economic value during these very uncertain times.
The Northern Ireland team has been particularly enthused at the proposal to establish a small business unit within Invest NI as, in their submission to the Review panel, they called for the reorganisation of Invest NI to reflect different skills sets.
The FSB in Northern Ireland has also welcomed the Review Panel's consideration of global best practice, and also look forward to the outcome of the related ongoing DETI research.
The Review is also calling for improved co-ordination of economic policy, something the FSB strongly agrees with.
The FSB has long called for efficient, joined up government to maximise the effectiveness of public policy delivery and the recommendation that DETI, DEL and Invest NI must work together to deliver coherent strategies, encouraging small business growth and development is a welcome one.
While many of the recommendations have been very positive in relation to small business, the FSB does, however, have concerns at the suggestion to stand down the Economic Development Forum (EDF).
To date the EDF has been an effective forum for a broad range of interests to interact and develop key policy areas. The FSB would be concerned that any replacement structure may not be in a position to accommodate the same broad range of interests, and many key stakeholders could lose a voice at a critical time in the regeneration of the Northern Ireland economy.
However, overall the FSB believes the IREP Report is a much needed step in the right direction for commerce in Northern Ireland.
It provides a basis to move the Northern Ireland economy debate forward, encompassing a set of recommendations to streamline the economic development functions of government whilst encouraging greater focus on programme delivery and assistance.
Published: 11/01/10