David Clark
Economic Development Spokesperson

19 August 2013

Two-speed economy: Big corporates v SMEs

National is creating a two-speed economy with new figures showing small businesses are struggling under this government – in direct contrast to the handouts National gives to the big end of town, Labour’s Economic Development spokesperson David Clark says.

“Today’s MYOB survey has revealed that just eight per cent of Kiwi small businesses are likely to hire new people this year, a drop from last year and 2011.

“It’s tough out there as a small business owner. They are working their guts out but not getting the support they need.

“The Government claims the economy is picking up but the small business community is hunkering down. Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy but this Government is letting them stagnate.

“Labour believes in small business. We will make training apprenticeships and skills more accessible for SMEs, plans we know are extremely important to small business owners.

“The problems facing small businesses are in direct contrast with the millions of dollars given to the big corporates Steven Joyce and John Key randomly decide they want to support.

“Hundreds of millions of dollars in subsidies, kickbacks and cut-price deals have gone to the likes of Chorus, SkyCity and Rio Tinto. If John Key thinks that filling the pockets of overseas investors instead of supporting small business is ok with Kiwis, then he’s way out of touch.

“Too many small businesses are spluttering along. We need to get the small business engine running again,” says David Clark.

ENDS

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