// Federation of Small Businesses calls on candidates in next month’s local & mayoral elections to help independent & small retailers
// Politicians asked to commit to plans including speeding up grants, encouraging shoppers back to high streets, and more
Small retailers are at a “critical moment” and need help from politicians to boost their recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, a business group has said.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) called on candidates in next month’s local and mayoral elections to help small businesses – including independent and small retailers – and the self-employed after an “incredibly hard” year.
Politicians were asked to commit to plans including speeding up grants, encouraging shoppers back to high streets and tackling late payments of bills, which the FSB said had became worse during the pandemic.
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“After an incredibly hard year we are at a critical moment,” FSB England policy chair Ian O’Donnell said.
“The government’s road map has provided small firms with some certainty and confidence moving forward, but to ensure reopening is successful, it must be powered by collaboration and innovation.
“That is why we are calling on all major parties and candidates at all levels across England, to commit to our three-point plan to back small business.
“When in office, those elected representatives must make sure their local small business and self-employed community is given the right support over the coming weeks and months.
“We need to end the late payments crisis, which stands at £23 billion and has only worsened through the pandemic.”
with PA Wires
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