MENTA Calls for a New Deal for Business to Support Mission of Making Work Pay

Alex Till, Chief Executive Director of MENTA and Chair of the National Enterprise Network (NEN), Urges Government Action

MENTA, a leading not-for-profit organisation supporting micro and small businesses in Suffolk and Norfolk, is calling on the government to deliver a New Deal for business to align with its mission of Making Work Pay in the modern economy. Alex Till, Chief Executive Director of MENTA and Chair of the National Enterprise Network (NEN), stresses the importance of government support for businesses to ensure sustainable growth and economic stability.

“Labour's New Deal for working people aims to make work pay by boosting wages, enhancing job security, and supporting workers to thrive. These principles resonate not only with workers but also with conscientious business owners and directors across Suffolk and Norfolk, who recognise that rewarding and supporting their staff enhances motivation, productivity, and customer satisfaction.”

However, it should be highlighted that any New Deal must consider the impact on both workers and businesses. Increased wage and benefit costs can place significant pressure on small and micro businesses, which make up a third of the UK’s overall employment, employing around 9 million people.

Recent research by the National Enterprise Network, of which MENTA is a member, revealed that over 75% of small and micro businesses are already concerned about rising cost pressures making their operations unsustainable.

“For the New Deal to be effective, there must also be a new deal for our hardworking small and micro businesses. These enterprises need urgent support to thrive and grow amid increased workplace costs, 

“Our economy isn’t just about high-growth, high-tech companies. Micro businesses comprise 87% of Suffolk and Norfolk’s economies and are the bedrock of our communities, providing sustainable local economies and employment.”

There is a strong warning that if increased labour and HR costs force small businesses to close, it will not only result in the loss of vital community resources but also increase the burden on public finances by adding to unemployment.

“Without growth in our micro and small businesses, the government’s mission to raise living standards nationwide cannot achieve the sustainable local economies we all need and want,” 

The National Enterprise Network's Spring Policy Report outlined several key requests to the government to harness the potential of micro and small businesses for the benefit of both businesses and workers. These include unlocking finance for start-ups and scale-ups, eradicating late payment of invoices, opening competition for public contracts to small businesses, and addressing skills shortages.

“We urge the new Business Minister to introduce a New Deal for businesses alongside the Making Work Pay legislation, creating a fair economic playing field for all working people – those striving to make their businesses thrive for their employees and communities,”