autumn 2015 FSB What fIRmS Want A survey finds that a quarter of small businesses are uncertain about their prospects under the new Conservative government FSB As the voice of small business, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) polled firms to find out what they wanted from a working environment. On 8 May one day after the nation went to the polls the FSB revealed results from its survey of 2,327 small firms. More than a third (35 per cent) of businesses wanted a sustained economic recovery to be the top priority for the new Conservative government. Other priorities were lowering the cost of doing business and ensuring growth in every nation and region of the UK not just London and the South East. the top 10 ISSueS about the fSb When asked what issues they would like the government to focus on over the next five years, more than half (53 per cent) said they wanted ministers to reduce the regulatory burden on business, with simplification of the tax system coming a close second, on 51 per cent. Business owners were clear, too, that reforming business rates and improving the employability of young people were important benchmarks. fInd out moRe For more information on the work of the FSB, contact Karen Woolley, development manager, on 01332 517176 or via email. FSB members were also asked how confident they were that the new government will deliver for small businesses. Many appeared positive, with half (51 per cent) saying they are either confident or very confident. However, with more than a quarter (28 per cent) claiming to be either uncertain or very uncertain, ministers will have to move quickly to demonstrate that they will truly do all they can to back small business. Credit: Karen Woolley Images: Andrey_Popov / Shutterstock The top 10 issues small businesses want the new Conservative government to focus on in the next five years are: 01 Reduce regulatory burden (53 per cent) 04 Improve the skills of young people (41 per cent) 08 Lower energy costs for businesses (30 per cent) 02 Introduce a more simplified tax system (51 per cent) 05 Improve broadband/ mobile connectivity (39 per cent) 09 Ensure better access to finance (28 per cent) 03 Reform business rates (44 per cent) 06 Help UK small businesses create more jobs (34 per cent) 10 Increase investment in infrastructure (26 per cent) 07 Tackle late payments (33 per cent) About the FSB the fSb is a member-led organisation, with key areas of policy relevant to small firms represented by a policy portfolio Committee of experts made up entirely of fSb members. each committee, as listed below, is supported by policy, media and public affairs staff working in Westminster and in offices across the uk: l tax and economic affairs l enterprise and Innovation l employment law l Rural affairs l Regulation l local government l environment & energy l education, Skills and business Support l home affairs l Infrastructure l eu and International affairs the fSb has 33 regions, representing the interests of local fSb members across the four nations of the uk. It regularly engages with local mps to help them understand the key issues impacting small business owners. the fSb provides the secretariat to the Small business all-party parliamentary group, which works to further the aims of small businesses and provide feedback on small business issues to parliament. the group, chaired byanne marie morris mp regularly holds meetings on , areas of importance for small businesses.