The Challenges Facing UK SMEs

On Wednesday 29 October 2008, the IPT, in association with PricewaterhouseCoopers, hosted a cross-party panel discussion in the Houses of Parliament focusing on the current and future challenges facing UK SMEs.

Small and medium sized enterprise is often referred to as the engine room of the British economy, accounting for many British jobs and contributing significantly to UK GDP. The panel asked what help is needed in these challenging economic times to help SMEs succeed. This event brought together leading representatives from the SME sector with a number of MPs and Peers.

The panel consisted of:

• Kevin Nicholson, (Guest Chair), Head of Regions, PricewaterhouseCoopers;
• David Kidney MP, Labour Member for Stafford, PPS to Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP Minister of State for Pensions, former member of the Treasury Select Committee;
• Brian Binley MP, Conservative Member for Northampton, member of the BERR Select Committee, Secretary of the APPG on Small Business, Chair of the Conservative Parliamentary Enterprise Group and SME entrepreneur;
• Dr Vincent Cable MP, Liberal Democrat Member for Twickenham, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, Member of the APPG on Small Business;
• Mary Monfries, Head of Entrepreneurial and Private Company Tax, PricewaterhouseCoopers.