Monday 30 March 2009

Tying up business

For years one of the biggest complaints made against UK Government by business has been the amount of ‘Red Tape’ it imposes on them; PAYE/NI returns, VAT documentation, statutory returns and other legislative compliances. This it is said impedes progress and reduces commercial effectiveness.

Now I have to say that I personally don’t agree but I do think it is a convenient argument perpetuated by lazy business groups and professional bodies to prevent them for having to think more deeply or survey the opinions of their members and by a Government (or more correctly the Civil Service, which run Government) from having to step outside their comfort zone; they love bureaucracy so are always comfortable debating and, worse, justifying it.

APA would like to know what challenges you face and where Government should be helping. It might be a lack of well trained and motivated workers, unfair competition in your marketplace, lack of imaginative banking facilities or even too much street crime. Please let me know. APA wants to lobby on matters that really cause business leaders (and thereby their PAs) to lose productive working time.

Gareth

Wikipedia - "Red tape" is a derisive term for excessive regulation or rigid conformity to formal rules that is considered redundant or bureaucratic and hinders or prevents action or decision-making. It is usually applied to government, but can also be applied to other organizations like corporations. It is also an album by American southern rock band Atlanta Rhythm Section, released in 1976

1 comment:

Helen Adams said...

Just too much paperwork!!!