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Weekly Brief 20

Read about the FSB's latest press and policy activities and opportunities for small businesses in the latest edition of Weekly Brief. Receive regular alerts by subscribing to the newsletter.

Group calls for New Enterprise Allowance to be extended

The All Party Parliamentary Small Business Group has launched a report into the barriers to entrepreneurship. In it, it is calling for the New Enterprise Allowance to be extended to encourage more budding entrepreneurs to use it. Read the press release.

Concern over EC Data Protection proposals

Five key industry bodies have co-signed an open letter to ministers about the potential impact of the EC Data Protection proposals on growth and innovation. We worry that the proposed rules are not as small business friendly as the Commission has promised. Read the letter.

Small firms losing battle for public sector work

New figures from the 'Voice of Small Business' survey panel shows that small firms are still struggling to win public sector contracts despite Government's efforts to make it easier. The FSB is urging Government to put initiatives in place across the whole of the public sector. Read the press release and view the results.

Regulation watchdog needs sharp teeth

Marking the first anniversary of the Government's moratorium from new domestic regulation for micro businesses, the FSB has called for the independent body set up to scrutinise new regulations to have sharper teeth. Read the report and the press release.

Small business looking to employ again

Figures from the 'Voice of Small Business' Index show that small firms are looking to take on staff as confidence picks up, following a period of shedding staff. The FSB is calling on Government to build on this optimism by putting in place simple measures in the Budget later this month. Read the press release and the Index.