Government urged to keep local business scheme

A funding programme that allows local authorities to support entrepreneurs should be maintained and developed, a leading business organisation has argued. The Local Authority Business Growth Incentives scheme is due to be replaced after three years. However, the Federation of Small Businesses has called on the government to extend the life span of the present programme, describing a reprieve as a vital "shot in the arm" for the country’s 4.5 million small firms. [more]