Small business council will give firms 'clear voice at the table', Badenoch says

01 February 2024 , 09:45

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Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch says 'small businesses are the lifeblood of our local communities' (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

The Government has announced the creation of a Small Business Council to help small firms access the resources they need to grow.

As part of a package aimed at supporting small businesses it also plans to revamp the Help to Grow website aincluding webinars and guides if you're setting up business for the first time.

Rishi Sunak will host a panel discussion in Downing Street on Thursday with business leadders including Tom Beahon, co-founder of sportswear firm Castore, Tessa Clarke, boss of Olio food-sharing app, and Jordan Schwarzenberger, co-founder of Arcade Media entertainment company. This comes as Sir Keir Starmer unveils Labour's business plan at an event in London with hundreds of top executives.

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said: "Small businesses are the lifeblood of our local communities and drive the UK's economy, supporting jobs and wages across the country. This new council will mean SMEs (small and medium enterprises ) have a clear voice at the table and we can deliver on the key needs for business. We are taking action to ensure that they have the support, tools and guidance they need to thrive because when small businesses succeed, the UK succeeds."

The Government has appointed a new group of chief executives to advise it, aiming to win the support of business leaders ahead of an expected election later this year. The Prime Minister's Business Council includes big brands such as Rolls-Royce, BT and Greggs.

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Lawrence Matheson