Small Business Forum holds first meeting

Business Secretary Vince Cable and Small Business Minister Mark Prisk have recently met with business representatives and banks in the inaugural meeting of the Small Business Economic Forum.

The Forum brought together banks, business representatives and ministers, following the publication of the banking Taskforce, Supporting UK Businesses.

The participants discussed responses to the recent Government green paper, 'Financing a Private Sector Recovery', and debated the findings of the Taskforce.

The Forum, chaired by Mr Prisk, will meet up to four times a year. It is an opportunity for business representatives and small businesses to share their views with Ministers on enterprise issues, in particular economic issues facing small firms. Banks will be invited to attend when finance matters are on the agenda.

Small Business Minister Mark Prisk said: "Having started my own business I understand the importance of a working relationship with your bank. In chairing the Small Business Economic Forum I want to ensure that the relationship between businesses and banks is improved and that small businesses are able to access the vital funding they need."

Membership

The Forum members are:

Mark Prisk – Minister for Business and Enterprise, BIS (Chair)

Lord Sassoon – Commercial Secretary to the Treasury

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

British Chamber of Commerce

Confederation of British Industry

Social Enterprise Coalition

Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

Institute of Credit Managers

Forum of Private Business

EEF

Institute of Directors

Federation of Small Businesses

Individual entrepreneurs/small businesses