SMALL businesses were feeling more pessimistic even before the General Election was called.

Now alongside increasing inflationary pressure, a business rates revaluation and rising labour costs, they have a whole new wave of political uncertainty to contend with.

Clearly this is not the time to revisit failed plans for a national insurance hike on the UK’s 4.8 million self-employed. These strivers are the engine of our economy. In this unforgiving climate, the last thing they need is increased cost. This would act as a disincentive to business creation.

Many small firms are still reeling from the business rates revaluation that took effect in April. The £300 million hardship fund announced in the spring Budget to help those worst affected offered a glimmer of hope but is yet to materialise.

With the election out of the way, there’s absolutely no excuse for local authority debt collectors chasing small businesses for incorrect, over-inflated bills without the emergency relief applied. The Communities Secretary needs to make distribution of this fund his top priority

Consumer facing businesses are really starting to feel the squeeze. Many small firms that operate in the retail and hospitality sectors depend on EU workers.

Ensuring these vital employees have the right to remain needs to be a first port of call once Brexit talks launch.

For decades we’ve heard governments discuss the need to create a balanced economy. It’s time for meaningful action.

  • Mike Cherry is the national chairman for the Federation of Small Businesses