One third of entrepreneurs say that regulation is the single biggest obstacle to growth. The UK ranks 89 th out of 139 countries for the burden it places on business in the World Economic Forum's Global Competiveness report. 

The FSB provides entrepreneurs with a free legal advice line for health and safety enquiries and a regulation monitoring service, all backed up by online advice for dealing with most aspects of regulation. 

At EU level, policy makers should exempt micro firms from new regulation where possible and introduce lighter reporting options where appropriate. 

Nationally, Government should exempt micro businesses from specific pieces of employment regulation.

Locally, inspection regimes should be proportionate and risk-based, and should provide advice and support.