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I cant wait to get on with it. The uncertainty is a real problem for small businesses.

Reply by Julian Lewis on 07/04/2010 at 17:39

Already the 'Economic Recovery' has been a central talking point to the launch of the election campaigns. From a business standpoint, the debate around the proposed increased National Insurance contributions puts into perspective the importance of businesses in driving economic growth, employment, and prosperity. The proposal of the Conservatives to not increase National Insurance contributions, and cut government spending resonates more readily with the whole business community, and small businesses will be heartened by the fact that that its' one less overhead to worry about as they strive to maintain sales, and contend with tighter margins as fuel costs increase, financing is restricted, and weaker pound impacts on the cost of sourcing supplies and making sales internationally.

Although the election will captivate news headlines and debate over the forthcoming weeks, the key impact will be the final outcome. Confidence in UK PLC needs to be retained home and abroad, and so will a hung parliament dent confidence? Or will an outright victory by any one party give the business community the boost it requires?

From my point of view, I am heartened that both parties recognise the value of investing in the business community, however, it will be the day-to-day practical support we recieve from the new Government that will determine how long it takes Britain to pull itself out of the current economic slump. Which ever way we look at it, we have to dig our heals in, draw on our courage and ingenuity and make sure it's our British businesses that are leading the way, and taking our workers, customers, and citizens forward with us.
Reply by Mark Batchelor on 08/04/2010 at 16:52

Well the budget under Labour showed a lack of thought for small business. I have been reading some of the Conservatives policies for small business and they are promising. However I am not convinced any successful party will address the issues facing small businesses and the economy today.
Reply by Kerry Swinton on 12/04/2010 at 17:19

My own view is a depressing one i'm afraid, although I agree with lots of what Mark is saying and hope some of this comes to pass.

The reality for me is that we are in a hole, a very big hole, almost a trillion pound one or at least heading that way and none of the parties seem to be giving out solid plans of how to dig us out of it.

I hope I am just being pessimistic but I can see a lot of pain ahead for all of us and feel its more a case of hang on and hope to still be around if/when we get out of that hole.
Reply by Terry1969 on 13/04/2010 at 23:39

"Whether you think that you can or that you can't, you're usually right" Henry Ford

I truly believe that people put too much emphasis on which party is in government in the UK.

I'm not belittling the importance of government policy or its possible impact on SMB's. I am merely extolling the virtues of having a healthy sense of self belief. Of setting up a business in a useful niche that genuinely helps people and is of real value to them. And finally of working "smart" rather than hard with genuine passion and dedication and a true love of what you do, to make that business a success.

I started my social media business in the midst of the recession last year and it has gone from strength to strength. Many people tell me I'm lucky and yes, I feel blessed, but I believe my business is successful because of the positive mindset I embraced throughout the entire process of setting it up, attracting clients, inspiring people to work with me and carrying out my work on a daily basis.

Some days things were difficult and I felt a bit miserable. Then I reminded myself that I never have to work for anyone else again in my entire life, I can choose who I work with, I don't have to commute on the tube and ultimately I am the only person responsible for my career and my success and my future. This makes me feel great and this inspires me to make a success of my business regardless of who is in government.

"When you consistently maintain a positive frame of mind, you'll become known as a problem-solver rather than a complainer. People avoid complainers. They seek out problem-solvers." Joseph Sommerville, PhD from The 5 Keys to Interpersonal Success
Reply by Laura Hillman on 21/04/2010 at 17:42