Partner Article

Micro-businesses slam ‘unfair’ tax system

• “Chorus” launches today with new research finding two thirds of micro-businesses believe the current tax system is unfair
• Chorus is a new free membership community that supports, advises and campaigns for micro-businesses
• Just 15% of micro-businesses say political debate fairly represents their needs and concerns
• Almost half feel powerless to influence government policy

Two thirds of the UK’s micro-businesses have labelled the current tax system as biased and unfair, with a further half saying they feel ‘voiceless’ about government decisions that affect their business.

These stark figures are from new research* released today by Chorus – a new membership community launching today to champion the voice of the country’s 5.2 million micro-businesses.

Chorus is a free membership organisation, funded and led by Crunch Accounting to support, advise and campaign for micro-businesses. With a current membership base of over 22,000 Chorus represents a new approach to supporting micro-businesses in the new economy.

The research commissioned by Chorus found a mammoth two-thirds of key decision-makers in micro-businesses say the tax system doesn’t treat businesses of all sizes equally and fairly. Just one in 10 business owners are satisfied with the way the tax and benefits system treats the country’s smallest firms.

Almost half (43%) of micro-business owners feel powerless to influence government policy, with no ‘voice’ representing their biggest business concerns. The areas where business owners say they need the most support include late payments (one fifth ranked it as the first area they would ask for support) and cash-flow management (18%). Of those surveyed, 79% are not currently a member of any business group.

Jason Kitcat, micro-business ambassador for Chorus, said: “Micro-businesses represent a staggering proportion of the UK’s economy, employing 8.4 million people. Yet our research shows that the UK’s micro-businesses feel ignored by mainstream political debate and that they feel powerless to influence policy making with a taxation and benefits system that is stacked against them.

“Micro-businesses are the unsung heroes of our time, driving our economy forward and we think it’s time they receive support and representation that reflects this.

“We’re launching Chorus because it’s time for a new way to support businesses, one that reflects the new economy and gives a stronger voice to the UK’s micro-business community in government.

“At Crunch we offer a tailored service to micro-business owners and freelancers, and we hear their concerns on a daily basis. It’s clear that it’s time for the decision makers in government to understand and value the hard work of the micro-business community – and we are here to help make this happen.”

There are currently 5.2 million micro-businesses in the UK (1-9 employees), accounting for 96% of all British businesses and employing approximately 8.4 million people.

Anyone wanting to join the Chorus community of micro-businesses and be part of a larger organisation reaching and influencing policy makers can do so for free by registering at www.crunch.co.uk/chorus/

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Crunch Accounting .