Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

Speech to Small Business Bureau (First Anniversary)

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: St Stephen’s Club, Westminster
Source: Thatcher Archive: CCOPR 1171/77
Editorial comments: Embargoed until 1900.
Importance ranking: Minor
Word count: 246
Themes: Conservative Party (organization), Industry

The first year of the Small Business Bureau has been a success story. Congratulations to David Mitchell and all the members. You have developed an active, valuable organisation in nearly 300 constituencies. Judging by the record in your first year, I am sure you can branch out into every constituency before your second anniversary.

The Bureau is a great help to the Shadow Cabinet, and to me personally. You tell us exactly what those who run small businesses throughout the country are thinking. You are a stimulus and an encouragement to our MPs to fight, and fight hard, for a large and vigorous small business sector.

Schumacher said small was beautiful. I don't expect that always applies in the small business world, and I doubt you feel beautiful thoughts when the VATman calls! But small businesses are vital. Small means better personal service; small means better industrial relations; small means more jobs; small means a chance to grow. If only half the small firms took on one additional employee, small could mean 400,000 fewer people out of work. What a contribution that would make to tackling the suffering and waste of unemployment and what an opportunity for our young people.

Life in small businesses can be tough, but it has its advantages. At least you can be masters of your own future, while you make your contribution to national prosperity. And that is not a bad expression of Conservatism.

I wish a big future for small businesses.