Small firms still needing support

Small businesses in the UK are still lacking focus, new research suggests.

A third of UK small businesses consider employment legislation as the area that most needs reduction in Government regulation, according to software provider, Iris Software.

Of the 100 UK companies that were surveyed, 33% of companies believe health and safety legislation is an area that needs serious focus first.

Only 27% of respondents support plans to formalise flexible working hours, while 26% support the government’s plans to make pension provision and contributions compulsory in 2012.

Small businesses need support at such a crucial time, with many simply looking for a leeway to survive in the world of business.

Oliver Shaw, managing director of Iris SME Solutions, says:

“What this research demonstrates is a worrying disconnect between what small businesses really need now, which is to be allowed to focus on growing their businesses and, in some cases, merely surviving, and the Government’s agenda.”

Additionally, on the subject of PAYE reforms, 85% of small businesses find the current system satisfactory, suggesting little appetite for proposed changes.