Family Business UK has welcomed government commitments to simplify licensing and reduce duplicate reporting, following its work with other leading business groups on the Small Business Regulatory Taskforce.
FBUK CEO Neil Davy represented the organisation on the Taskforce and represented the family business sector in a series of meetings over the summer. Alongside the Small Business Institute, the research and policy arm of Small Business Britain, FBUK delivered its regulatory enforcement workstream, examining how regulation affects businesses in practice.
The joint report drew on four focus groups involving 30 businesses, alongside survey evidence from both organisations, including FBUK’s Family Business Pulse.
Businesses described repeated requests for information, inconsistent requirements across local authorities and compliance burdens that increase sharply as firms grow. FBUK’s survey findings showed that 39% of respondents identified regulatory thresholds as creating additional compliance burdens as their business grows, while 31% highlighted the impact of managing multiple compliance systems, processes or formats.
The workstream called for a more joined-up regulatory system, consistent licensing and inspection processes, and requirements designed around the resources available to smaller businesses.
Progress on licensing and reporting
The Government’s response takes forward several priorities identified through this work.
It has accepted the recommendation to digitise and standardise licence applications, with plans to expand a digital licensing pilot to more local authorities and an additional licence type. This responds to concerns about businesses having to navigate different processes and repeatedly submit the same information when operating across council boundaries.
Ministers have also accepted the ambition for businesses to “tell government once”, with further work to explore how information can be shared across services. A delivery roadmap will follow next year’s Spending Review, subject to funding decisions.
Alongside this, the Office for National Statistics will work with business representatives on a roadmap to reduce survey burdens, including greater use of existing administrative data. The Government has also backed more proportionate construction procurement and the reuse of supplier credentials.
Neil Davy, CEO of Family Business UK, said:
“Family businesses have told us clearly that repeated requests for the same information, inconsistent licensing processes and confusing requirements take valuable time and money away from investment and growth.
“Having worked alongside other leading business groups on the Regulatory Taskforce, we welcome the Government’s commitment to take forward key recommendations we helped develop, including simplifying licensing and reducing duplicate reporting.
“The priority now is delivery. Family businesses need to see these commitments translate into fewer forms, faster decisions and a more consistent experience across regulators and local authorities. Further action is also needed to address the regulatory cliff edges that can discourage businesses from growing.
“With the Budget approaching, today’s announcement is a welcome step towards giving family businesses more time and confidence to invest, create jobs and support their communities.
“We now look to the Chancellor to follow suit when he stands at the Despatch Box on Budget Day, with a clear message of support for family businesses and the policies they need to invest and grow.”
Further action needed
While the response represents welcome progress, it stops short of the full package proposed in the joint report.
FBUK will continue to press for consistent inspection standards and action on regulatory cliff edges that discourage growth, alongside clear accountability for delivery and discussions are ongoing with government and business partners to ensure that reform delivers practical improvements for family businesses, freeing up time and resources to invest, create jobs and contribute to local growth.