A Derbyshire plant hire and aggregrates firm has strongly criticised the level of support offered to small and medium-sized businesses by local and national government.
NAL Plant, based at Bolsover, near Chesterfield, was selected to write an article about the struggle SMEs have in the current climate for the 2019 Parliamentary Review, an independent, politically-neutral platform for news, cross-party commentary and insight from business leaders.
In the article, Michele Longden, who is responsible for NAL’s marketing and development, explained how the company had weathered many economical storms - but felt totally frustrated by the lack of support from local and central government.
In the piece, she writes about the “uphill battle” to maintain a business in an “environment that has felt neglected by central government”.
She wrote: “Rising fuel costs, increased business rates, constantly changing health and safety legislation and compliance rules are all squeezing SMEs so tightly.
“We’re constantly told we’re the backbone of British industry, that we bolster the economy, and yet we’re not fairly represented on the national stage. If this isn’t addressed, it may be too late for many to survive in the harsh industry climate of today.”
As a contributor to the publication, representatives of NAL were invited to the Houses of Parliament for the launch of the Parliamentary Review.
Chaired jointly by Lord Blunkett and Lord Pickles, the review has become a staple in the political calendar.
It brings together views from across the political spectrum and is also a template for best practice across a multitude of sectors.
Michele said: “It was a huge honour to be asked to write about how small and medium businesses are being treated in this country. When it comes to the Government’s treatment of SMEs, we want to see things change.
“It was wonderful to be given a platform where we could air our concerns about the unfairness we believe surrounds small businesses.
“We hope the publication of this article will help make policy-makers and MPs listen and start to make changes, so we can concentrate on growing our business, taking pride in our work and employing local people.”
