ePolitix.com Stakeholders comment on the news that chancellor Alistair Darling has announced the government's new enterprise strategy, aimed at boosting entrepreneurialism in the UK.

The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform said its 10-year plan aims to make the UK "the most enterprising economy in the world and the best place to start and grow a business."


Stakeholder response: Finance and Leasing Association



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Stephen Sklaroff, director general, said: "The FLA welcomes the government's commitment to place access to finance at the heart of the new enterprise strategy announced in the Budget. Asset finance is well-suited to growing businesses, particularly in a more challenging credit market. Many businesses will find it much more difficult and expensive to get credit elsewhere. 

"Asset finance and leasing provide an attractive alternative source of finance for many businesses, both large and small. Leasing companies can provide all the equipment a business needs from manufacturing machinery to IT or photocopiers. It is flexible and helps a company manage its cash flow."

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Brian Nimick, chief executive, said: "The British Safety Council (BSC) welcomes the government's desire to make the UK "the most enterprising economy in the world and the best place to start and grow a business". But in doing so, we must not overlook one of the most important aspects of a successful business and economy - the wellbeing and safety of its workforce.

"In the face of urgent environmental and workplace challenges, there must be no hint of complacency or of ceasing to strive for excellence and business advantage. An enterprise culture has to strive for safer, sustainable, and therefore more profitable, businesses. We urge the government to stress this as part of the new enterprise strategy.

"There should be greater recognition by policy makers, regulators and enforcers of their responsibilities to support rather than hinder business, including specialised help and training for small to medium-sized enterprises struggling to meet their obligations on health, safety and the environment.

"British business is often under the spotlight, accused of not doing enough to meet its responsibilities towards employees and society at large. However, British business has a hard won and worldwide reputation for its achievements in health and safety. Its training and best practice are exported to all corners of the world. We must ensure that this remains the case."