Pre-election, several political parties claimed that they were the party committed to small business. But the Conservatives went a step further, launching their Small Business Manifesto. It included some fairly specific promises about their plans for small business and carried the tagline: ‘Backing the businesses that create jobs.’
With the election behind us and the Conservatives settling back comfortably into the seat of power, are there any signs that they’re taking action to keep those promises?
Perhaps surprisingly… yes.
Businesses’ Best Interests at Heart
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and the Conservatives are behind them 100%,” the Conservatives stated pre-election – and they seem to be backing up their words with their 
deeds. They quickly appointed Anna Soubry as the first Minister for Small Business, Industry and Enterprise – a move that’s gone down well with the FSB, who announced they were ‘delighted by the appointment’ after campaigning for it for so long. “We obviously look forward to working with her and finding out what she wants to achieve,” said a spokesman, while Mike Cherry, FSB Policy Director, promised: “As the voice of small business, the FSB will work closely with the new Minister to tackle the big issues facing our members.”
With previous careers in law and journalism and relatively humble roots compared to most of her Cabinet colleagues, Anna Soubry has a reputation for liberal views that she’s not shy to share, so small businesses can expect their voice to be heard in Cabinet.
Soubry’s appointment was announced by the new Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Sajid Javid – again, the child of an entrepreneur. He shared his experiences in his first speech as Business Secretary. “Our fortunes, our happiness – they fluctuated with the day’s takings. It instilled in me an unwavering belief in enterprise, opportunity and reward for hard work. Above all, I know what it’s like to run a small business.”
The Enterprise Bill
Javid also announced the Enterprise Bill, and outlined what it will cover. “First and foremost, it will serve the interests of small business. Second, it will simplify and clarify the business environment in this country. And third, it will focus on jobs.”
He went on to describe how the Bill sets out specific measures that will “sweep away burdensome red tape, get heavy-handed regulators off firms’ backs and create a Small Business Conciliation Service to help resolve disputes.”
Costly and time-wasting regulations will be reduced, making life easier for small businesses. “Small businesses are Britain’s engine room and the success of our whole economy is built on the hard work and determination of the people who run and work for them.”
Anna Soubry said the “no nonsense bill” will give “financial security and economic peace of mind to hardworking people across the country,” and that they will gather evidence from businesses that will help them in “identifying and scrapping needless burdens at home and in Europe.”
Writing for the Huffington Post, James Caan, CEO of Hamilton Bradshaw and chairman of Start Up Loans, said that “cutting red tape by £10billion would make an almighty impact on the growth of small businesses,” adding: “I hope this rhetoric has lit the flame for a future all-encompassing entrepreneurial Britain. This is the start of a very exciting journey for us all.”