As part of new measures designed to engage small business interest in policy decisions, the Government is urging entrepreneurs to sign up to a new database.
The Small Firms Consultation Database offers small businesses the chance to influence new regulations at an early stage.
As a response to recommendations by the Small Business Council, the scheme will allow entrepreneurs who wish to be consulted over regulatory issues the opportunity to voice their concerns.
Many believe the new measures are a response to cries by small businesses concerning increasing levels of red tape, much of which leads to a direct loss in profits.
Considering that small businesses account for 45.4% of the UK’s annual turn over, the Government may well be beginning to reconsider the effects of decisions such as increases in the fuel duty and insurance premiums.
It is believed that Whitehall will use the database to ‘road test’ new policy proposals in order to gage the initial impact on small businesses.
A spokesperson for the Small Business Council said, “As the database continues to grow and become more representative of the small business community as a whole, its role in shaping new government regulations becomes more and more prominent.
“Small businesses can now directly influence new regulations and legislation and ensure that government officials are always aware of the need of small business.”
The database has grown to over 1300 members and has allowed firms to have their say on issues concerning UK and European law.
They are also encouraged to put their views across directly to policy officials in all government departments through focus groups, questionnaires and informal telephone interviews, to help push regulations in a more business friendly direction.
Click here to join the Small Firms Consultation Database
