Wiltshire businesses in need of hope from Spring Statement, says FSB
Chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver her Spring Statement on Wednesday in Parliament.
Wiltshire's Federation of Small Businesses say they're not expecting much from Government ahead of the Spring Statement on Wednesday (26/3).
Chancellor Rachel Reeves will give an economic update in Parliament, just days before National Insurance contributions rise and the national living wage is increased.
Sam Holliday from the FSB is calling on the Government to give smaller organisations a glimmer of hope.
"Confidence at the moment across the Southwest with small businesses is very low," he said, adding: "I think they could do with Rachel Reeves standing up on Wednesday and just giving us something that makes us believe that the government believes in small businesses as much as small businesses believe in themselves."
Sam revealed that confidence levels among small businesses are at their lowest point since the COVID pandemic, saying many organisations are feeling uncertain about what lays ahead.
He said it's vital smaller enterprises are supported adequately to help generate the growth the Government is so desperate to achieve.
"We are the engine of growth," Sam told us.
He continued: "The government keeps talking about wanting growth well it's business that produced growth not government.
"So we need some incentive from the government we need some financial support some understanding of the plight small businesses are going through at every level in every sector.
"We all want to see how small businesses thrive, we all want to see a High Street strong, but that can only happen if the small businesses have got enough money in their pocket to make that happen."
Asked how Government could act this week to boost small business prospects, Sam said he'd like to see the UKSPF fund increase.
He said: "Maybe when the government's discussing what they're going to be doing about funding next year, they could look to increase that, so more money will reach to businesses that way.
"Perhaps they could mention things about helping with export, perhaps encouraging apprenticeships and perhaps doing something for our retail sector."
Sam said there are many things the Government could do to help small organisations, but the noises they've heard indicate they're unlikely to be delivered.