As I look forward to 2015 I am struck by a feeling of optimism and a sense that the small business landscape may never look quite the same again.

It feels like small business owners are finally receiving the sort of recognition from across the political spectrum that has long been the mission of the FSB since our founding 40 years ago.

Small firms still face many issues, not least the scandal of late payment and supply chain bullying we highlighted in December, but it seems like there has never been such a strong opportunity to make a positive impact on the outlook for small firms.

For the first time, the number of small firms has broken the five million mark.

There are now more entrepreneurs, sole traders and freelancers than ever. There are also more small firms taking on their first employee, growing and innovating.

As economic recovery has led to falling unemployment, small businesses have been disproportionately responsible for creating new jobs. However, although there are positives, we know from our research that hard times are far from over.

Business confidence, although still firmly positive, is down from an all time high earlier in 2014. The money owed to small businesses in late payment has grown from £18.6 billion in 2008 to £46.1 billion today.

If the gains are to be built upon, small firms need support from across all parties. The general election in May will be a pivotal point for small business owners.

Small businesses will look to the parties to put in place the long-term foundations for a sustainable economy.

In our business manifesto for the election we have outlined ‘asks’ for small business.

They include the dysfunctional business rate system, the ongoing skills gap and improving access to finance. We call on all parliamentary candidates to sign up to our #ibacksmallbusiness twitter campaign.

Give traders the power to make our city centre thrive.

MARTIN SEARLE
Development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in East Sussex