45 BUSINESS Martin McTague, National Chair at the Federation of Small Businesses, looks at the UK government’s Levelling UP programme, and what needs to happen for it to be a success ‘Levelling up’ has been a much-used Government phrase over the last few years. It was back in February that Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove unveiled the long-awaited white paper, outlining the agenda to the country. It’s been billed as a moral, social and economic programme for the Government, but rather than just a catchy watchword, small firms across the country need this agenda to be tangible and create meaningful change. Of course, only time will tell just how successful it will be. And much of it will hinge on the Government’s ability to reach the small businesses and sole traders that are at the heart of our local communities. Investment needed for lasting change We know from our own research that in the towns and areas of the country where it is most key to ‘level up’, small firms are not short of ambition and want to flourish and grow. In fact, half of small business owners in these ‘less favoured areas’ are striving to become a business leader in their community. But significant support is needed, addressing existing regional inequalities and moving beyond just creating more jobs. For lasting change, there needs to be proper investment in areas like connectivity, skills development and business support. Driving the rate of new start-ups will be key, and budding entrepreneurs need to be equipped with the support, skills and finance they need to start up a business. Investment in the right skills will be vital to levelling up. Businesses, local universities and FE colleges must work together to understand local skills needs, and careers advice in schools should be developed to encourage young people into technical as well as higher education. Apprenticeships, T-levels and skills bootcamps must all be accessible for smaller businesses – not just those businesses with big HR departments. Improving public transport Following the Government’s Integrated Rail Plan announcement last year, there’s already concern over plans for connectivity in some parts of the country. The white paper promised billions from the Levelling Up Fund for infrastructure investment to bring local public transport offerings across the country up to London standards by 2030. Although this is a welcome focus, much of this money has already been spent. Public transport is so important to small businesses and their employees, and improvements in its frequency and quality are much needed for local areas. Similarly, local roads are critical for smaller businesses, which rely on them to access goods, customers and employees, and there needs to be a focus on improving deteriorating road surfaces. It’s also essential that no area is left behind when it comes to building Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure. Charging points are currently too spread out in rural areas, and nearly always located on A roads, which may be out of the way for many. And small businesses need help overcoming the financial barriers that are stopping them being able to afford, for example, an electric vehicle. Which is why FSB has proposed a Help to Green voucher scheme, to stimulate green investment. Boosted connectivity We still need to see improvements in broadband and mobile connectivity across the UK, including the hard-to-reach areas. While the progress made by the government’s project gigabit has been essential, the initial goal of reaching 100% by 2025 has once again shifted. The white paper announced that by 2030 the UK will have nationwide gigabit-capable broadband and 4G coverage, with 5G coverage for the majority of the population. The nationwide roll-out is crucial for so many rural businesses and this delay of five years will no doubt hurt the growth of many SMEs. The paper isn’t short of ambition, also drawing on many more areas like housing, employment and manufacturing, but it needs to be delivered well. The acid test will be whether small firms, which are integral to our economic recovery, feel better supported, are better connected, can find the right staff and feel more pride in their area. With small firms already under significant strain from rising costs and energy prices, levelling up must now deliver lasting change; it cannot just be a worthy intention or partisan slogan. LEVEL UP ABOUT FSB As the UK’s business support group, FSB is the voice of the UK’s small businesses and the self-employed. Established over 40 years ago to help its members succeed in business, FSB is a non-profit making and non-party political organisation that’s led by its members, for its members. As the UK’s leading business campaigner, FSB is focused on delivering change which supports smaller businesses to grow and succeed. FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including access to finance, business banking, legal advice and support along with a powerful voice in Government. Each year FSB also runs the UK’s Celebrating Small Business Awards. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk. You can follow us on twitter @fsb_policy and on Instagram @fsb_uk.
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