“Blow the whistle” on red tape – Mark Prisk

The government would like to see more business owners to take part in the Red Tape Challenge, an initiative launched by Business Secretary Vince Cable in April to review 21,000 “statutory instruments”.

Mark Prisk, the enterprise minister, has now asked entrepreneurs and business owners to “blow the whistle” on red tape.

Nearly two-thirds of businesses believe that a tick-box culture still exists, with inspections and enforcement “the most noticeable way” that businesses experience regulation, Prisk says.

While the Red Tape Challenge has already highlighted a number of ways in which red tape is getting in the way of businesses, the Department for Business wants to hear more from business owners.

“Tell us about the good, the bad and the ugly side of how the regulations you deal with are enforced, and help us get the government off your back,” says Prisk.

As part of the focus on enforcement, three business leaders have been appointed “sector champions”, to encourage businesses to get involved. They are: Martin Traynor, chief executive of Leicester Chamber of Commerce; Simon Topman, chief executive of Acme Whistles and Sir William Sargent, former chair of the Better Regulation Executive.

Businesses have until the end of August to get involved ? check out the Red Tape Challenge website here.

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