Small businesses suffer from crime, as we all know.  However, crime rates against these small businesses have seen quite a dramatic rise over the past two years – a substantial 7 per cent.  Crime against small businesses now affects a staggering 64 per cent of small businesses, as shown by a report issued by the Federation of Small Businesses.

John Walker, Federation of Small Businesses national policy chairman, is demanding that something be done for the huge, and growing, number of small businesses affected by crime across the country.  He said, “We cannot allow small businesses to continue to be victims of the forgotten fifth of all recorded crime. The FSB is also concerned that the figures are much higher as our survey indicates that only around 45 per cent of firms that experienced crime actually reported it and the majority were not aware of local crime reduction methods.”

The biennial report, conducted by both the Federation of Small Businesses and the Glamorgan University, found that these small business crimes were costing the sector a hefty £13,354 per annum, however the Federation is claiming that this number could be short of the true figures as they claim that only 45 per cent of small businesses stepped forward to report crimes during the two year period.

The calls for protection by the Federation come as they attempt to “keep trade local” through the country.  The Federation is calling all shoppers to move back to independent stores in an attempt to boost the small business sector during the economic downturn.

The FSB has declared that more than 2,000 local traders are being forced to close their doors each year.  The Federation have shocked the public by stating that there will be no independent traders left in the country by 2015 if this decline continues, an extremely serious claim.

Karen Durcan, the Federation of Small Businesses for Thames Valley spokeswoman, speaking about the plight of independent traders in the Reading area urged shoppers to rush to their aid, saying, “If we want to retain the choice and competition on the high street then we must support Reading’s small shops and businesses.  If we don’t support them now then soon there won’t be any left at all.  Everything is geared towards helping big business, but it s the small retailers that are the backbone of the local community.”

The Federation of Small Businesses has also made the news by claiming that the recent report by the Government, looking to provide aid for small businesses, does not do enough.

The Glover review suggested improved paths of communication for the small businesses, an easier method for gaining public tenders and greater access for Government contracts, a move that Business secretary Peter Mandelson has claimed is essential for small businesses.

Colin Stratton, regional chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, pushed the importance of small businesses for the country, saying, “Small businesses offer great value to our North East community, especially in these difficult economic times, and by using small businesses, money is kept within the North East economy; a key policy of our Keep Trade Local campaign.  However, the recommendations could have gone further and will not be effective if they are not taken up by all levels within Government.”

Our Random Articles

• Small businesses plan staff cuts in early 2012
• Unemployment rise – what does this mean for small businesses?
• The Mary Portas Review
• Experts Warn Small Firms of the Need to be More Aware of IT Security Risks
• SMEs Unprepared for New Pension Reforms

More Links