Act now to save our high street businesses
Neil Eames, Federation of Small Businesses organiser, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, writes about his past seven days.
In a bid to save small businesses from being driven out of the UK's high streets, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has embarked upon a nationwide campaign to Keep Trade Local. It is asking small businesses and their customers, suppliers, family and friends, to sign its online petition to help reach the million-signature target.
The campaign highlights the plight of the small, independent retailers and encourages people to help save our communities and our local businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of local communities yet wherever you look they are under threat; nationally, 2,000 local shops are closing every year.
The FSB, the country's largest business organisation, feels the government should provide a level playing field for independent traders who are often unable to compete with larger organisations and are forced out of business.
The UK economy is driven by small businesses, making up 99 per cent of all UK businesses and being the engine for growth and job creation. Small businesses are not just a part of the local community; they are the local community, generating wealth, employment and opportunity. However, small businesses and shops continue to face closure; our familiar high streets face extinction.
In Hampshire, the FSB has 6,800 members, and over 2,500 businesses in Portsmouth and the surrounding area. Many FSB members running their own businesses are trying, wherever possible, to support others through supply and thus keeping money within the local economy. If local authorities followed suit, it would make a huge difference.
Politicians can put in place transparent and fair planning and procurement policies but they need to act quickly. The FSB has requested formal responses from all MPs on their views.
The success of The Keep Trade Local campaign is vital to every town and village, in order to maintain diversity, choice and individuality of high streets.
The online petition is available at www.fsb.org.uk (Keep Trade Local) or if you wish to find out more information telephone (01425) 280080.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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