South East Euro MP backs campaign to boost small businesses

Sharon Bowles MEP, who represents South East England in the European Parliament, is supporting a campaign to improve business conditions and opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the South East and across the EU.

Currently:

• Europe's approximately 23 million SMEs make up to 99% of all businesses and provide two thirds of all jobs in the private sector.

• More than half of the value creation of European companies is attributed to SMEs.

• A study presented by the European Commission in January revealed that six in ten new jobs are created by small enterprises.

After signing the manifesto for a European SME policy Sharon Bowles MEP said:

"This initiative is all about creating and safeguarding local jobs by helping small and medium businesses in South East England and across the EU to expand and grow to their full potential.

"SMEs are the backbone of our economy. That is why both existing and new rules, at European but also at national levels, must be subjected to an SME impact test to ensure that their specific needs are met and bureaucratic red tape is cut.

"I hope to visit with and listen to local businesses and entrepreneurs across South East England to learn more about what needs to be done to free potential and to be able to give businesses in the region a strong voice at the European level. Let's put SMEs at the top of the political agenda."

ENDS

• Display: Accessible
• Switch to: Desktop / Mobile (requires cookies)

• My Account.
• Privacy Policy.
• Other Party Sites.