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"Red Tape" Event
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

South West Rail Services Under Threat
We know that some rail operators, like First Group, have made improvements to their service but you may not be aware that some services could be cut. This appears to be with the cooperation of government and goes against the government's stated wish to reduce car travel. It certainly weakens communications to the South West and within the South West and this will have an impact on our potential for economic growth. The following is a press release from the Regional Assembly, who are responding to local business pressure.

SWRA /03.06 /94 13 March 2006
Full steam ahead on rail issues says Assembly
Members of the South West Regional Assembly (SWRA) unanimously approved a letter to First Group criticising proposed cuts to some rail vital services in the South West, when they met in Exeter on Friday (10 March 2006).
The letter, co-signed by the South West RDA, is in response to First Group’s Consultation on its proposed timetable for December 2006, which Members believe will undermine long term plans for the region’s economy and development.
Members also agreed to write to the Secretary of State for Transport, The Rt Hon Alistair Darling MP articulating their concern over these proposals and requesting an early meeting to discuss the transport in the South West in detail.
Assembly Member Chris Irwin (SEEP), who delivered a progress report to the Membership on the Crossrail Bill and associated lobbying activity, found his presentation welcomed my Members who demonstrated strong cross party consensus for the issue by contributing to the debate.
Chris Irwin said: “The Assembly was unanimous in recognising and supporting the importance of the Crossrail project, its possible implications and also those of the proposed timetable changes under the new franchise arrangements. We want the regions voice to be heard in Westminster and the Members backed proposals to start making that happen. If we are to make a serious attempt to reduce congestion on our roads, and improve sustainability, the region’s rail services are the place to start, not the place to start making cuts.”
Having agreed to the principles and context of the Draft RSS and the overall spatial strategy at January’s meeting, after a long debate on the revised Draft and further amendments, Members agree also agreed the final touches to the Draft of the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS), ahead of it’s submission to Government.

For more information regarding this press notice please contact either:

Drew Aspinwall, Senior Communications Officer - 01823 425265 / 07841 214687
drew.aspinwall@southwest-ra.gov.uk

Shirley Hammond, Head of Communications on 01823 425237 / 07786 397164
shirley.hammond@southwest-ra.gov.uk
www.southwest-ra.gov.uk

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