Small Businesses Warn: Supply Chains on the Brink Without Trade‑Focused Government
According to fresh figures released by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), just over one in five (22%) of UK firms feel uneasy about the rising costs of exporting and importing over the next half‑decade. Even more—27%—would love a slate of measures that cuts down the time and money spent on moving goods across borders.
What Small Firms Want From a Future Small Business Act
- Reduce the cost of trading internationally.
- Speed up customs clearance and paperwork.
- Make the UK a smoother‑riding platform for global trade.
“If we don’t keep trade at the top of the agenda, the entire supply chain is about to collapse,” says FSB’s Policy Chair, Tina McKenzie. “International trade is the lifeblood that brings fresh ideas and growth to small firms. When markets expand, businesses grow faster and weather economic storms better.”
How the Next Government Can Save the Day
- Strengthen links with key partners like the EU and the US, turning the UK back into a global trading juggernaut.
- Create a single online portal—a “one‑and‑done” interface—so firms provide all required data just once.
- Cut the paperwork load and simplify confusing fees that bog down small exporters.
- Invest in border‑force training for a faster, smoother flow of goods.
- Develop a next‑generation export grant or tax relief programme inspired by successful models from places like Australia.
- During the 2026 review of the UK/EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, negotiate a removal of the intermediary in the EU VAT system and push for mutual recognition of product standards and professional qualifications.
- Collaborate with the Labour Party on an exports taskforce to fine‑tune industrial trade policies.
By streamlining international trade for small businesses, the UK can unlock a wave of economic growth and make its economy more resilient. The message is clear: don’t miss this chance—trade success is tied to the future of every small firm.
