The FSB lobbied on six key issues during the Election, we will be working with the Mayor, Boris Johnson, to ensure that Manifesto commitments are upheld and that he delivers
a small business friendly agenda.
A recap: The London Mayoral and Assembly Elections, 2012
The FSB identified six areas in which action could make a significant difference to London's Real Life Entrepreneurs. The cost of the proposals were low to coincide with the tight fiscal conditions that London decision-makers find themselves in.
The six areas that the Manifesto concentrated on:
- Procurement: All GLA, London Council and private sector contracts and projects should be placed on the ‘already established' CompeteFor procurement portal. A modest commission should be paid by businesses winning contracts through this portal. This will make the model sustainable.
- Transport: There should be no increase in the level of the congestion charge (and a Moratorium on the Low Emission Zone) for the next Mayoral term. Furthermore, income from the Roadworks Permit Scheme (RPS) should be used to support affected businesses by means of reductions in business rates and other compensatory measures.
- Business Crime: Business crime costs its victims an average of £2,900 a year. There must be a major drive to ensure greater reporting of business crime. The new Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime and the business community should work together to increase the reporting rate for crime. And an Assistant Commissioner should be given specific responsibility for business crime.
- Skills and Employability: An approach to apprenticeships that minimises employers' paperwork. The ‘administratively-lite' London Apprenticeship Company model should be adopted by all agencies. Furthermore, an extensive internship programme both for graduates and school-leavers should be introduced.
- Promoting London and its businesses: The promotion of Micro-Business clubs during and after the Games. Study London must promote all aspects of London's educational offer.
- Business Support: The FSB calls for a sustainable business support model built on the advice and information service currently delivered via the Business and IP Department at the British Library. Plus, greater promotion of the mentorsme.co.uk website which is fully populated with business mentors with a small-business background.
Mayoral Candidates Signed up to be 'Real-Life Entrepreneur' champions
At the Real Life Entrepreneurs event on 8 December, Jenny Jones (Green), Ken Livingstone (Labour) and Brian Paddick (Liberal Democrat) outlined their plans should they be elected as London's Mayor next May.
At the event, held at the British Library and sponsored by the London Apprenticeship Company, over 100 members also had the opportunity to hear from Mike Southon, the Beermat Entrepreneur, and acclaimed business mentor.
All three Mayoral candidates signed up to be Real Life Entrepreneurchampions at the event. Pictured (from left to right, Brian Paddick, Sue Terpilowski (London Policy Chairman), Ken Livingstone, Jenny Jones).
19/4/2012 - Siobhan Benita, Mayoral Independent candidate, agreed to become a Real-Life Entrepreneur champion
25/04/2012 - Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, became a Real Life Entrepreneur Champion