Responding to the Government's announcement of
new measures to cut red tape and reduce costs for businesses,
Ilaria Lavalle Miller, IoD Chief Governance & Policy Officer,
said:
"We support the Government's objective of reducing unnecessary
burdens and disproportionate costs for businesses, particularly
smaller firms. Duplicative reporting requirements should be
avoided, and regulatory frameworks should be as simple and
proportionate as possible. Effective reform requires robust
impact assessments, meaningful consultation, and coherent
delivery across government departments, agencies and regulators.
This is essential to avoid piecemeal changes that risk creating
further complexity and inconsistency.
"Businesses should be faced with reporting and governance
frameworks that support growth, facilitate access to finance and
investment, and provide confidence to creditors and potential
investors. Regulatory reform should also align with the UK's
wider trade objectives and relationships with key international
partners.
Through its extensive director training and professional
development programmes, the IoD works with business leaders to
implement proportionate governance frameworks that strengthen
resilience, improve risk management and support long-term
performance. Good governance remains a vital enabler of growth,
investment and trust."
Liz Barclay, IoD Special Advisor for Small Business and
Entrepreneurship and former Small Business Commissioner,
said:
"The Government's commitment to making life easier for small and
micro businesses is welcome. These firms are not only the
backbone of the British economy, but also a vital source of
innovation, jobs and opportunities for young people, the heart of
our high streets, and an important driver of community cohesion.
Disproportionate regulation and unnecessary administrative
burdens take business owners away from what they do best:
building and growing successful businesses. Too often, they
create additional pressure, increase the risk of errors, and add
to the stresses already faced by founders and owner-managers.
Measures such as the 'Tell Us Once' initiative, alongside
improved support and guidance, will be welcomed by many small
businesses. However, as the Government takes forward these
reforms, it should also consider the cumulative impact of
introducing multiple changes at the same time on already
stretched founders and owners."
