New SME forum launched by government

Published On 2 May 2007 at 12:33:09
The government has launched a new scheme to try to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises to come forward and explain the problems they have when doing business.A new small business forum will hold a series of round table meetings with some of the nation's estimated 4.3 million SMEs to see what are the key issues facing these businesses.
"The UK is already ranked as one of the best places in the world to start and grow a business, but it could be even better," explained Margaret Hodge, the minister for industry and the regions.
"I am delighted to have this opportunity to hear the views of SMEs and their representatives. This will help the government to work collaboratively with them to make the UK the best place in the world for SMEs and individuals in all communities who are thinking of setting up their own business."
However, the Tories recently criticised the government's new tax plans, which they say will cost SMEs significantly.
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