The Liberal Democrats postponed the launch of the party's election manifesto after leader Charles Kennedy's wife gave birth to their son.
Kennedy's absence, however, did not stop the party top brass flaunting election tantalisers for small businesses. Chief among small business pleasers was the promise to cut Whitehall regulations.
In a three-tiered pledge to small businesses, the Liberal Democrats first priority is to abolish the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI).
"We see (abolishing the DTI) as a big act of deregulation and a move to a less subsidized and less micro-managed business environment," said Richard Owen, the Liberal Democrats' DTI advisor.
DTI representatives were unable to comment due to restrictions and the close proximity of the election.
Owen stressed that less red tape was at the centre of the party's "broad, pro-business policy" and signalled the party's intention to create semi-autonomous deregulation units to review new and existing legislation to ensure it is implemented sensibly.
"We want an arms-length, independent unit reporting into the Cabinet office making impact assessments on any new legislation coming into view," Owen said.
One of the goals of deregulation is the party's plan for a simpler tax system.
Without the "fastidious" presence of the DTI, the Lib Dems believe small firms could take advantage of support services at a local level in coordination with regional development agencies and would therefore require less professional help overall.
They also propose a reduction in business rates. Commercial premises with a rateable value of up to £25,000 would receive an allowance of £1,500 that can bring them over £600 per year in savings, Owen said.
The plan would constitute a revenue-neutral move across business rates, with slight increases in rates for larger companies to compensate.
The Tories seized on the proposals, claiming that such lofty ambitions would need large tax rises for fuel. Labour, meanwhile, attacked the party for making promises it could not keep.
