Small businesses get chance to cut red tape

Chris Davies MEP

Small businesses are being encouraged to tell EU leaders what rules and regulations they find most of a problem.

The European Commission has promised to do all it can to reduce unnecessary burdens upon business, so long as this human life and environmental protection are not put a risk.

Rochdale MEP Chris Davies welcomed the move but claimed it was time for business to put up or shut up.

The Liberal Democrat said: "People often grumble about EU rules but usually they exist to protect lives or prevent environmental damage.

"If regulations can be shown to be unnecessary then let's get rid of them, but the starting point is to identify the specific problems.

“99% of all businesses in the EU are small companies and they employ 65% of the private sector workforce so a lot of people in Rochdale could benefit from a business boost."

The Liberal Democrat group of MEPs is pushing for measures to make life better for small and medium sized businesses such as simpler financing and a reduction in red tape.

The consultation runs until the end of the year and businesses with strong views can respond at: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/sme/public-consultation-new/index_en.htm