The UK
Government, alongside other European member states including
Belgium and Italy, today welcomed publication of the European
Commission’s Small Business Act Review
The three Member States have committed to working together in
Europe to promote the interests of small and medium sized
enterprises (SMEs) and have urged the Commission to host a forum
for small business ministers as part of a renewed focus on putting
SMEs at the heart of European decisions.
In a joint statement they said:
“This Review sends a clear signal about the central importance of
small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the European economy.
The 2008 Small Business Act marked a milestone by committing
Europe to put SMEs at the heart of decisions and created a useful
policy tool for improving the conditions in which they operate.
Almost three years after its adoption, it is helpful to take stock.
“As Europe faces the challenges of the 21st century, SMEs will
play a vital role as engines of growth and jobs. We will continue
to implement national policies to encourage enterprise and support
our small businesses. And we will work together in Europe to
remove barriers to success. Above all, we must ensure EU
regulations do not place unnecessary burdens on our small
businesses, that SMEs are able to secure the finance they need and
that they can readily take advantage of new market opportunities.
“We call on the Commission to play its part in reinforcing the
Small Business Act by: ensuring decisions taken in Brussels
improve the operating environment for SMEs; and enabling a more
transparent and regular exchange of ideas amongst member states.
The Commission should host a forum for small business Ministers to
share their experiences. This would create a practical mechanism
to improve the visibility of SME policies across Europe, spread
best practice and encourage effective action.”
Business and Enterprise Minister Mark Prisk said:
“I am delighted today to join my European counterparts in sending
a strong message that Europe needs an SME-friendly business
environment, enabling small businesses and entrepreneurs to
realise their ambitions, without being stifled by unnecessary
rules and regulations.
“I fully endorse the idea of an EU forum for small business
Ministers and I look forward to meeting European Business
Ministers to learn from one another’s experiences and examine how
we can work together to unleash entrepreneurial talent and small
business growth.”
Notes to editors:
1. The Commission’s review of the Small Business Act for Europe
was published today: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/sme/small-business-act/index_en.htm
2. Adopted in June 2008, the Small Business Act for Europe (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2008:0394:FIN:en:PDF)
sets out the European Commission’s intention to recognise the
central role of SMEs in the EU economy and to put in place a
comprehensive SME policy framework for the EU and its Member
States. Through a set of ten principles and specific measures to
take them forward at the EU and national level, it aims to anchor
the "Think Small First" principle in policy
making from regulation to public service, and to promote SME
growth. EU member states endorsed the Small Business Act in
December 2008 and agreed an action plan of priority actions in
three areas:
improving SME access to finance;a regulatory framework
supportive of SMEs’ needs; andenhancing market access for SMEs.
3. BIS' online newsroom contains the latest press
notices, speeches, as well as video and images for download. It
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http://www.bis.gov.uk/newsroom for more information.
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