Small business group in plea to voters

The North's main small business lobby has called on voters to choose business over politics when selecting their party in the forthcoming Westminster election.

Launching its election manifesto yesterday, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said it was vital the views and concerns of the North's small businesses be heard within the next administration.

"Should the Assembly remain suspended, our 18 MPs are the only voice in the parliamentary and legislative process, holding the direct rule administration to account," said Wilfred Mitchell, the FSB's policy chairman.

Mr Mitchell urged the association's 5,000 members and other small business owners to read all the party manifestos to establish which candidates are putting their interests first. The FSB estimates that each of the North's 18 Westminster constituencies is home to about 4,000 small businesses and argues that this vote is "up for grabs" if parties successfully address the vital policy issues affecting the sector.

These issues include the North's high insurance costs, bank charges, energy costs and transport charges, the FSB says.

The association claims that the North has the highest such charges in the UK. It also calls on voters to choose the party that will maintain pressure on the London government to abandon plans for domestic water charges.

Households currently do not pay water charges but are facing an average annual charge of between £350 to £400 for the service under rules currently in development.

The FSB argues that this represents a double tax on business owners, who will be forced to pay water charges both at home and in the workplace. "Every candidate must be clear in their opposition to water charges," Mr Mitchell said.