Small printers helped by new rates

The Government's Localism Bill is set to give SME printers a boost with the introduction of lower business rates.

The Bill, which is a vital element of the coalition's plans to get rid of red tape and support small firms, includes measures to help SMEs benefit from all available tax breaks - ideal for those in the printing industry.

The new system will mean that the Small Business Rate multiplier will be automatically applied to all companies with a rateable value of less than £18,000 - so eligible companies will no longer have to request the lower rate.

Furthermore SMEs which occupy multiple small premises (with a rateable value below £18,000) will be eligible for the tax break for the first time.

John Walker, national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), welcomed the measures to tackle the rates burden, which he described as the largest cost to many firms after rent and wages.

"The onus is now on councils to be creative and not needlessly make small businesses go through an application process when it is obvious they are eligible," he added.

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