Small businesses in the spotlight at last says CLA

The CLA has today welcomed proposals by both the Conservatives and the Government on how to help small businesses survive the economic downturn.

CLA President Henry Aubrey-Fletcher said: "Small businesses, that employ four people or fewer, are the life blood of the rural economy. They have always been disproportionately weighed down by red tape and often lack the Human Resources capabilities that large businesses have to cope with the burden of admin.

"With David Cameron proposing 1p National Insurance cuts and Labour responding by offering to pay some bills within 10 days, small businesses have been brought into the spotlight.

"The CLA has always recognised the need to help them as much as possible to get through the credit crunch, and is encouraged by this news. One penny may not sound like a lot but it could save small businesses up to £600."

The CLA President added: "The Government and the Opposition have rightly understood that the UK economy will decline faster if a lot of small businesses go under."