PRIVATE BUSINESS COMMISSION

 Steve chairs the UK’s Private Business Commission, set up by The Entrepreneurs Network.

Launched in Spring 2024, the Commission aims to identify and recommend reforms to significantly improve the business environment in the UK so that businesses can thrive and scale up domestically.

The Commission has issued a Call for Evidence, inviting UK businesses to share insights on key issues affecting growth. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday 23rd April 2024. Find out more here.

The Commission is bringing together respected business leaders to gather evidence about key issues impacting UK private companies, including:

  • Taxation plays a significant role in a business's decision to expand, relocate, or stay in a particular jurisdiction or to buy, sell or retain a business. High tax rates, complex tax regulations, or lack of sufficient incentives can deter businesses from scaling up within the UK. The Commission will explore how the current tax regime can be reformed or improved to make the UK more attractive for businesses aiming for growth.

  • Access to capital is critical for businesses looking to scale. This includes not just initial seed funding but also growth-stage financing. The Commission will investigate the current state of the funding ecosystem in the UK, including venture capital availability, government grants, and loan schemes. It will look into barriers that prevent businesses from accessing the funding they need and propose ways to enhance the funding landscape.

  • The ability to raise capital through public markets is a vital aspect of a business's growth journey. The Commission will examine the efficiency and accessibility of the UK's capital markets, and their attractiveness compared to other countries. This could involve looking at regulations surrounding initial public offerings (IPOs), the liquidity of the markets, and the institutional investor landscape.

  • A skilled and motivated workforce is essential for a business to innovate and grow. The Commission will consider how employee incentive schemes can be optimised to attract and retain talent. This might include tax-advantaged share options, profit-sharing schemes, or other benefits that align the interests of employees with the long-term success of the business.

The final report by the Commission will be published later this year and will prioritise areas with the highest potential for meaningful reform, offering actionable insights and recommendations for policymakers.