REPRESENTATIVES from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) from Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight hosted a meeting with regional MPs in Westminster to address issues and key concerns impacting micro and small businesses.

The meeting was sponsored by Ranil Jayawardena, MP for North East Hampshire and attendees included East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds.

According to the FSB, several issues of real concern to small businesses were discussed. Unease relating to mandatory online reporting of quarterly tax returns was raised, particularly with current proposals set to substantially increase administrative burden to micro and small businesses.

Another issue discussed was the Government aspirations for combined authorities and devolved powers. The prospect of devolution for Hampshire is still an uncertain area for businesses, without clarity and identification of what devolved powers may be considered. Business rate reform is an additional ongoing worry for businesses and a Government review for a fairer system of is in process and well needed.

Mr Hinds said that these regular discussions with FSB at Westminster were useful, adding: “They give a chance to cover a number of topics in some depth and are another avenue for MPs to understand what is most important to the small-business economy in Hampshire.

“On this occasion we talked about a variety of things including general trading conditions, building up skills, housing costs in north and East Hampshire, and the new national living wage. Businesses are, of course, keenly interested to know what will be the outcome of the review of the business rates system, and an announcement is expected soon.

“On devolution, the Government has invited local areas to put together, if they wish to, bids to have further aspects of governance, management and financing devolved. For Hampshire, what any eventual settlement may look like is still a matter of discussion and debate.”

Ken Moon, FSB Wessex chairman, said: “These meetings are extremely helpful and provide a great opportunity to speak on behalf of members, directly to a number of our MPs. Small businesses are recognised by Government as key to our economic future, and we are grateful for the opportunity to highlight key areas of concern. We look forward to working with our MPs and to continuing to campaign for positive action.

“There is a clear understanding of problems being faced daily by businesses, and an impetus to help address some of the issues, with the MPs at the meeting confirming their support for the local small business community.

“FSB will continue to lobby on behalf of small businesses locally, and is hopeful that our MPs will help to tackle, through Government, some of these key issues and barriers negatively impacting small business growth and development.”