Forum of Private Business

8.43.00am GMT Fri 19th Mar 2010

The Forum of Private Business is a not-for-profit organisation, providing comprehensive support, protection and reassurance to small businesses. They add value to businesses through the representation of a collective voice for members in local, central and European government, and the provision of tailored solutions that promote business success.

A recent survey of FPB members on the issues of taxation and budgets revealed a widespread dissatisfaction with the UK's complex taxation system. The way the government had implemented increases in National Insurance - effectively a tax on jobs - was seen as demoralising for small businesses. In fact it was suggested that VAT was the simplest form of taxation and could be increased if the rest of the system was brought under control with fairer imposition of business and company taxation.

As ever, businesses grow best when they know where they stand and when there are no sharp changes to the economy - not a situation they've been able to enjoy recently.

Chief Executive Phil Orford writes, "The Forum of Private Business has undergone a period of change and you may notice that our branding has evolved. We continue to lobby on behalf of small and medium-sized firms; however, we have this week launched a new package of complete business support to better help our members grow their businesses successfully."

FPB have published their Budget submission and the results of their recent Economy Watch Panel, as well as their Election Manifesto: "Rebuilding the UK Economy".

For more see www.fpb.org