Power Chambers
Bath Place
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 4ER

01823321231

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2006-06-30
It was surprising that more people did not attend this event considering the number of complaints I get about over-regulation and tiresome bureaucracy. It was also disappointing because the evening went very well and everybody appreciated the venue, in the lovely setting of Hornsbury Mill near Chard.

Our speaker was Brian McCarthy, National Policy Director for the Small Business Service, which is part of the Dti. He brought a wealth of experience and authority to the meeting.

He acknowledged that a wide range of legislation could have an impact on businesses and that smaller businesses were disproportionately burdened. Our members were keen to point out that the official definition of a small to medium enterprise was up to 250 employees, which was large by Somerset’s standards. Perhaps more attention could be paid to releasing businesses with, say, up to 5 employees from many of the regulations? Companies of this size found it impossible to have knowledge of and comply with everything.

Surprisingly, Brian suggested that we had fewer regulations than other European countries but our members countered by saying many other countries did not enforce regulations so zealously. He also suggested that the work of the CBI, British Chambers of Commerce and the FSB had led to a more practical approach to new legislation and an agreement to release new legislation on just two times a year rather than piecemeal. This has resulted in a simplification process and the withdrawal of around two old pieces of legislation for one new.

Several members quoted specific regulations that were anomalous and restricted trade and employment. Brian was keen to receive observations of this kind and any other suggestions leading to sensible reduction and simplification of regulations. He advised that we could all provide feedback via their web site: www.betterregulation.gov.uk

There were also several other web sites where you could get information:

A no-nonsense guide to government rule and regulations when starting a business -
www.businesslink.gov.uk/publications

Influence government on new regulations before they become law:
www.sbs.gov.uk/regulations/databaseapplicationform

See at a glance new regulations that affect your business:
www.businesslink.gov.uk/regulationupdates

It was a very useful evening and if you want to let me know of any examples that appear to be counter productive or pointless we will be pleased to hear from you.

Ken Burrows
Mobile: 07887 505070
E-mail: ken@burrows41.freeserve.co.uk

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