Fixed starting dates for new regulations that affect small firms could soon be introduced following the unveiling of new government proposals designed at boosting enterprise.

The Action Plan for Small Business includes measures to introduce common commencement dates each year for all rules that affect UK companies.

Ministers have already decided that domestic employment regulations will start on set dates, with the practice due to begin this year.

Business leaders have welcomed the announcement, claiming that set days for the introduction of regulations would provide firms with greater stability and certainty.

As reported by Startups.co.uk, business groups have criticised the government in the past for piling too much regulation upon small firms without proper warning or consultation.

Stephen Alambritis, of the Federation of Small Businesses (PSB), said: “Common commencement dates are a good thing for small businesses – they offer certainty and stability to people who run businesses. We welcome this suggestion by the government.”

Matthew Fell, head of enterprise at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), also welcomed the proposal.

“The introduction of business legislation on just a few set dates throughout the year could potentially ease the regulatory burden that is acutely felt by smaller firms, saving management time previously lost constantly scanning the business environment for new legislation,” he said.

Martin Wyn Griffith, head of the government’s Small Business Service, said that fixed commencement dates would help companies plan for the future.

“People who run small businesses are telling us that common commencement dates, especially when coupled with advance notice and guidance, would offer them a greater degree of certainty, help them plan and budget, and reduce their costs.

“Businesses would know that they only have to deal with regulatory changes at fixed predictable points in the year,” he said.

Other key proposals in the government’s small business plan include:

  • The launch of a “core offer” for startup businesses which will improve the consistency and quality of services to small firms.
  • A Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship to encourage more students and recent graduates to consider becoming entrepreneurs.
  • The publication of a “no nonsense guide” to finance for small businesses.

Patricia Hewitt, the trade and industry secretary, said that the government had identified the areas where it can help small businesses and have taken some practical steps to meet their needs.

“This is a great example of business getting what it’s always asking for- a piece of joined-up government thinking that encourages and supports enterprise,” she said.