Family Business UK Spring Budget Submission 2024

In the UK, we are sitting on an enormous resource of entrepreneurialism in the form of our family business sector. Family businesses make up 90 per cent of the UK’s total
private sector firms, employing 14 million people and contributing over £200 billion through tax receipts each year alone.

Now more than ever, the Prime Minister’s focus on long-term decisions is vital to support businesses in overcoming immediate challenges while delivering long-term
growth.

Family Business UK makes the following recommendations for inclusion in the Budget that can help support the family business sector in putting the UK
economy back on the road to recovery:

• Commit to maintain Business Property Relief (BPR) in full
• Bring Business Assets Holdover Relief (BAHR) eligibility into alignment with BPR, to enable a smooth transition in ownership between generations
• Replace the Apprenticeship Levy with a new, fit-for-purpose Future Skills Fund

To read the full Family Business UK submission for the Spring Budget 2024, please Click here to access the document.

Family Business UK Joins New Small Business Council

Family Business UK attended the first meeting of the new Small Business Council in Downing Street today, as the Government looks to remove barriers to growth faced by SMEs.

Chaired by Small Business Minister, Kevin Hollinrake, the Council will work alongside the PM’s Business Council to tackle the key issues facing smaller firms. The Council will include Family Business UK, Small Business Britain, and the Federation of Small Businesses.  The Council also includes SMEs themselves, with firms representing all corners of the UK covering sectors including manufacturing, construction, food and drink.

The Council will be a powerful voice for small businesses within Government and has been tasked with overseeing three key areas for small firms – Access to finance, skills and support as well as removing barriers.

Small Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said:

“Small firms are at the heart of our communities and the engine of our economy – which is why the work of this council is so important. My own experience of working in a small business has given me crucial insights to the problems that SMEs face on a daily basis, from barriers to growth or access to finance.

“We’re giving small firms a big voice, so they can directly air their concerns to government without delay – only when we work together can we tackle some of the burning issues SMEs are facing – only then can we help boost jobs and grow the economy.”

Neil Davy, CEO of Family Business UK, said: 

“We are delighted to be part of the new Small Business Council, representing family businesses from across all regions and communities of the UK to highlight the unique challenges they face and the practical new ideas we have for generating economic growth. It is great to see this group reflect the different models of business that make up the UK economy.

“Family firms offer a unique perspective due to their long-term view, and we look forward to working with the Council to deliver support and advice to help SMEs learn, thrive and grow.”

You can find out more about the Council, including the full list of members here https://www.gov.uk/government/news/sme-council-membership-revealed-ahead-of-first-meeting