Tax and red tape, and the lack of skilled, motivated young employees are the most pressing concerns for smaller businesses, according to the recent Small Firms’ Summit held by the Forum of Private Business (FPB).

Remedies suggested included greater financial support and guidance from government; exempting firms with few employees from some legislation; and ‘sunset clauses’ that would see unworkable legislation repealed.

Participants said while young starters were mostly IT literate they often lacked practical communications skills as well as basic literacy and numeracy. Suggestions included help from government to develop apprenticeships and in-house training schemes.

Source

Building Sustainable Design