Small business success a priority for Labour

Small businesses with fewer than 20 staff will get a bigger bite of the procurement pie under a Labour Government, Labour Leader David Cunliffe says.

“Too many small businesses are struggling in today’s tough economic environment.

“Labour will reverse that trend, making the lives of small business owners easier and more productive through a more responsive government.

“Our plan to increase the portion of government procurement undertaken by smaller companies, by at least $300 million by the end of our first term, presents significant opportunities for the sector.

“Some of our most successful companies got their start via Government procured contracts. There is no reason smaller firms should miss out only because of their size.

“Another bugbear of the small business owner – overly burdensome tax compliance – will also be addressed by a Labour Government, by building on the New Zealand Institute of Accountants proposal of ‘no more than one hour, one return and one payment each month for income tax and GST compliance’.

“We will also consider alternatives to the provisional tax regime and explore options around the taxation of the smallest businesses, review out-of-date regulations, do away with unnecessary red tape and work with regions to establish a more effective central Government presence for the small business sector.

“Small businesses taking on a young unemployed person can also apply for a $9,100 subsidy as part of Labour’s youth employment package. Under this just- released policy Labour will spend $183 million in its first four years to get unemployed youth into work or training.

“New Zealand’s future prosperity depends on our ability to build on our skills and anticipate and meet future market needs. A thriving small business sector can contribute much to that,” David Cunliffe said.

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