AHEAD of next week’s Autumn Statement by the Chancellor, Mid Worcestershire MP Sir Peter Luff is backing a business campaign to help smaller firms flourish.

The Federation of Small Businesses set out its new business manifesto for the 2015-2020 Government at a launch in the Houses of Parliament and Sir Peter was among the politicians at the event and met local FSB representatives to discuss the issues facing small businesses in Worcestershire.

He said: "This Government has done a lot to help small businesses. It has cut National Insurance contributions by £2,000 and taken 450,000 businesses out of paying employer National Insurance contributions altogether. It has also put a cap on business rate rises and an extension on rate relief, so 360,000 small firms will pay no business rates at all.

“This event was a good opportunity to see what else can be done to help small businesses. They are the lifeblood of our economy and so must do all we can to help them thrive. There are many small firms in my constituency, and so I was pleased to back this new campaign. Thanks to this Government the economy has greatly improved and so when it comes to the next election we should be in a much better place to continue to help these businesses.”

In its manifesto the FSB is calling for a rebalancing of the economy through infrastructure and broadband investment, as well as new moves to improve how the banking sector, energy and water markets work. Small firms particularly want to see action by the next Government on late payments, which remains a growing problem, with £46bn now owed to businesses. Business rates also require fundamental reform.

John Allan, FSB honorary national chairman, added: "I was delighted to see Sir Peter taking part in our #ibacksmallbusiness campaign and meeting local FSB members. Over the next six months, MPs of all parties and candidates from across the political spectrum need to think about how to support small firms in their area. Only this way will we safeguard the recovery and create new economic growth.”