Small businesses set agenda ahead of G7 conference

Small business bodies representing firms from across G7 nations and the European Union are calling on conference leaders to put smaller enterprises "at the heart of economic recovery plans".

In a joint statement, the SME7 collective also urges leaders to “support small businesses on their journeys to reduce carbon emissions”, “address the digital divide” and “champion a small business-friendly international trading framework”, asks aligning with the G7 policy priority areas outlined by the government.

Small and mid-sized firms make-up 99 per cent of businesses across the G7. The groups, which together represent 13 million businesses internationally, argue that smaller firms and sole traders “must be top of mind” as conference talks progress.

In addition to the joint statement, FSB has put forward seven specific recommendations covering the G7 priority areas. The UK’s business group is urging policymakers to:

• Introduce a World Trade Organisation (WTO) committee dedicated to the trading needs of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

• Ensure any future free trade agreements include dedicated small business chapters, so that smaller firms can make the most of preferential terms, comparable to that included in the EU-UK deal.

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