The KBSA offered a cautious welcome the Chancellor's Autumn Statement saying that there appears to be some relief for small businesses but added a note of caution that the outcome of the Eurozone crisis could have a dramatic impact.
KBSA CEO Graham Ball said: “We have been given some new initiatives such as loan guarantees for SMEs and tax incentives for new start up businesses which may help, but the underlying downgrading of forecasts for growth will not do much to create confidence in the economy and on the High Street.
“We had Project Merlin earlier in the year which was designed to give a boost to small businesses but did not create the desired effect so we have to hope that these new initiatives will be more successful.
“Small businesses are still having difficulty in accessing finance and we hope that the enterprise investment scheme will open up new sources of finance for new and growing businesses.
“The scrapping of the fuel tax increase planned for January will certainly be helpful although fuel prices remain at exorbitant levels that are not doing the economy any good at the moment.
“Measures that will reduce the risk of taking on new staff and increase job creation are welcomed and an overhaul of the employment tribunal system is also a step in the right direction.”
Martin Thomas, KBSA national chair and a director at Denmore Kitchens adds: “The government has done what it can to help SMEs but we do need to take the pain and tough it out until things get better. There is a small glimmer of good news in that footfall has improved in KBSA showrooms during November so members will be making the most of this improvement.”
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