FSB demands answers from leaders

Small firms will be hoping for further clarification on a range of issues at the final televised party leaders' debate, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has declared.

The organisation has pointed out that the country's smaller ventures employ a combined 4.8 million people and has suggested that a more in-depth discussion of the repercussions of parties' policies is crucial.

FSB chairman John Walker said the body had been in contact with all three leaders ahead of the debate, adding: "We now look forward to working with a new government, of whatever hue, and look forward to putting the case for growth in the small business sector."

A major concern for small to medium-sized enterprises is the mooted 1p increase in national insurance, which has attracted considerable criticism from commerce leaders, with business lending also proving tricky following the recession.

Research conducted by the FSB found only 18 per cent of its 1,400 members had applied to financial institutions for loans.

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