Small businesses critical to future of our economy

Small and medium-sized businesses are the bedrock of the North East economy, making up 99.9% of our business base and employing over one million people.

- CHRIS KELSEY

The government's new Small Business Plan, Backing Your Business, published at short notice last week, recognises this and sets out a broad framework to support growth, skills and long-term resilience.

The plan is built around five key pillars: removing barriers, improving access to finance, strengthening local economies, building future skills and opening up new opportunities. These themes align closely with the challenges we hear from businesses across the region.