A manifesto for small business growth and productivity

The decade has been marked by rapid developments in digital technology, growing concerns about the impacts of climate change and the lack of productivity growth, increasing awareness of issues of diversity and inclusion, and of course, in 2020, the massive shockwaves associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. [...] The events of recent years have demonstrated more than ever the need to ensure that small business leaders are equipped with the management and leadership skills and support to steer their businesses through periods of turbulence. [...] A manifesto for small business growth and productivity Mental health and wellbeing We need to transform understanding amongst small business leaders of the importance of good mental health and wellbeing for productivity and improve management behaviour in this area. [...] Actions needed: • Provide more incentives for small businesses to regularly review and monitor the mental health and wellbeing of their workplaces and improve access to expert advice on how to improve management practices and ways of working. [...] The external shocks and crises of Brexit and Covid-19 have had a negative impact on export activity that has hit smaller firms the hardest, and there is an urgent need for policy action here, given the magnitude of the impacts on businesses and the wider economy.