Sign industry asks help from the Chancellor
What would you like George Osborne to say in his Autumn Statement?
Tuesday, 26 Nov 2013 10:17 GMT
With the Chancellor's annual fiscal announcement due on Wednesday, December 4th, the British Signs and Graphic Association (BSGA) have called on Number 11 Downing Street to help the sign industry with business rates, fuel duty, and late payment.
The BSGA spoke exclusively to SignLink ahead of the Autumn Statement: “The BSGA on behalf of the sign industry would like to see help from any UK Government over small business rate relief, business rates, freezing or lowering fuel duty, and strengthening the law over late payment. Just as vital is guaranteed continuance of funding in the education sector for apprentices and NVQ or SVQ qualifications relevant to the sign industry, in order that standards of competency are maintained.”
The BSGA... would like to see help from any UK Government over small business rate relief, business rates, freezing or lowering fuel duty, and strengthening the law over late payment”
They continued: “ It would also help if the tax system actually recognised the sign industry in its SIC Codes, so that all those businesses that would come under that code would have a value, rather than be hidden in amongst other industries. That way we could see a more accurate figure as to the worth of the sign industry to the nation. We currently conservatively estimate the industry to be worth at least £1.1 billion a year, which makes the industry a not insignificant contributor to this country’s coffers. A more accurate figure may well strengthen the industry’s position and influence in future economic planning ”
Meanwhile, the national business group the Forum of Private Business has come up with a wish list of items to help the sign industry, which echo those issued by the BSGA. Their list reflects those of industry in general and includes a request for small business rate relief and for fuel duty to be frozen.
