The Forum of Private Business has welcomed new research suggesting the number of UK firms exporting goods and services has increased, but is urging banks to help keep the momentum going by relaxing lending criteria for firms looking at overseas trade operations.

Ahead of the Queen’s Speech next week, the Forum of Private Business has urged the Government to ensure the Groceries Code Adjudicator has the necessary power to fine supermarkets who unfairly abuse their suppliers, and to ensure new laws on parental leave don’t unfairly harm small business, particularly with economic recovery pinned on the sector.

News that the Government will implement ‘radical reform’ to the public procurement system – essentially how it does business with UK firms – has been welcomed by the Forum of Private Business.

A number of key issues affecting small business must be addressed by Government in next week’s Autumn Statement if the economy is to grow next year, a not-for-profit lobby group has said in a letter to ministers this week.

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The head of a national business support organisation has questioned banking industry pledges to boost lending to SMEs.