Debt reduction plans backed by 75% of small firms

MORE than 75% of small firms back moves to tackle Britain’s record deficit, a new Forum of Private Business survey has found.  When asked what the new Government’s immediate priorities should be, 77% of respondents to the Forum’s latest Referendum ballot listed repayment of the national debt.

The issue emerged as the single most prominent concern among SMEs polled by the Forum – apparently endorsing the new coalition Government’s strong emphasis on rapid deficit reduction.  Stronger regulation of utility companies and banks was the next most popular priority listed by small business owners, finding favour with 62% of those surveyed. This was closely followed by simplification of the tax system, on 61%.

Commenting on the findings, the Forum’s research manager Thomas Parry said:- “The one clear and consistent message to come out of this survey is that business owners want to see the deficit dealt with, and dealt with fast.  Many small businesses will be hit by tax rises and spending cuts, just like everyone else. However, I think our members take the view that the economy can’t continue servicing such a dangerous level of debt and it needs to be dealt with sooner rather than later, for the whole country’s sake.”

The Forum’s latest Referendum ballot, which was completed by members just before the General Election, also appears to indicate that some business owners will be happy with the Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition. 

The Conservative Party was easily the most popular party among the small firms surveyed. The Tories found favour with 61% of respondents – way above the 36% share of the vote that the party won among the general electorate.  However, perhaps surprisingly, the Lib Dems were the 3rd most popular party among small business owners – and twice as popular as Labour. When asked which party best understood the needs of their businesses, only around 2.9% of Forum members said Labour, compared to 5.5% for the Lib Dems.  The Liberals also appear to be more agreeable to small firms than that Scottish and Welsh nationalists – SNP and Plaid Cymru attracted the backing of just 2% of Forum members in the two countries.

Mr Parry commented:- “The Lib Dems aren’t traditionally thought of as being the party of small businesses, but perhaps the popularity of stronger regulation of perceived monopolies among Forum members partly explains why they emerged as the third most popular party in this survey.  Since the global financial crisis, the Lib Dems have been very vocal about the need for tighter controls on the banks, so perhaps this message has won them some support among SMEs.”

However, the Lib Dems attracted significantly less support than UKIP, which emerged as the second most popular political party among Forum members. The anti-EU group found favour with 7.4% of small businesses polled, despite managing only a 3% share of votes overall in the election.  In addition, almost a quarter (around 23%) of Referendum respondents said they feel that absolutely none of the political parties understand their business and its needs, reflecting a considerable amount of disillusionment.

Referendum 192 also found that small business owners appear to have been largely unaffected by the election itself and its uncertain aftermath. When asked:- "What impact do you feel electioneering has had on your business?" 63% replied with ‘no impact’.  Additionally, reducing local taxation was the most popular option for Forum members when asked:- "Where could support to your business be improved locally?" A solid 57% supported such measures.  This was followed by parking and transport issues, which was selected by 41% of respondents, and crime prevention, on 30%.  Do you agree?  Email us now to news24@southportreporter.com with your views...

City’s first Community Geriatrician appointed

THE city’s first Community Consultant for Older People has been hired in order to ensure that older people living in care homes are given the treatment they need.

Consultant Geriatrician Rebecca Bancroft has been appointed by NHS Liverpool Community Health in partnership with RLBUHT and supported by Liverpool PCT. Her role is to provide the 3,200 residents in 70 care homes in the city with specialist assessment and care.  Rebecca’s appointment follows a five-year training period with the Mersey Deanery during which time she rotated around hospitals in the region. She has also previously trained and worked in South Wales and London.

Rebecca said:- “It is a privilege to have been given the opportunity to help shape future community services for older people in Liverpool.  I perceive the most important part of my role as acting as an advocate for older people – residents in care homes have the greatest need for this support.  Less than 5% of residents in care homes currently have access to a geriatrician in the UK, yet these are the frailest and most complex population of all.”

Part of Rebecca’s role involves working with NHS Liverpool Community Health’s Care Home Support Team. The team comprises a wide range of services, including community matrons, physiotherapists, pharmacists, and the new role of Consultant Geriatrician. 

The aim of the service is to ensure that older people in Liverpool receive timely care in the appropriate setting, provided by the most appropriate staff. This helps to reduce avoidable hospital admissions which can have significantly negative consequences.

Nice ‘n’ Naughty World Cup Offer!

THE 2010 FIFA World Cup is the premier international football tournament. It is scheduled to take place between 11 June and 11 July 2010 in South Africa –and England stand a real chance of winning the tournament!  Nice ‘n’ Naughty – One of the UK’s premier licensed adult retailers are offering a 100% refund on in -store sales if England should win the 2010 FIFA World Cup. In order to qualify for this fantastic deal, customers are required to purchase goods to a value of £150 or more in a single transaction at any of the chain’s fifteen retail stores throughout the UK.  The offer applies to purchases made from the 18th May to the 11 June 2010. Proof of purchase (Original transaction receipt) is required to redeem a full refund on the purchase.  For further information please visit us online.  England’s first game is on the 12 June 2010, against the USA, followed by Algeria and Slovenia and then hopefully all the way to the final on the 11 July 2010.