AAT steps up support for SMEs with launch of new website
Support for small businesses is on the increase as the AAT, the leading professional body for accounting staff, launches a new website focusing on the issues that impact on SMEs.
AAT Comment will offer support and advice to SMEs on such topics as risk management, business finance and tax, communication and people management. The AAT’s members are responsible for managing the finances of over a quarter of a million UK businesses – many of which are small businesses – therefore the AAT is well positioned in addressing the issues that affect the business world. In addition, employers themselves get an opportunity to share their own opinions and insights, enabling the AAT to increase its understanding of British enterprise.
In the run up to the General Election, the AAT quizzed the main three political parties on how the next Government can promote skilled staff to better support SMEs. Responses from Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs can be viewed via a link from AAT Comment Employers can also see the AAT’s own manifesto entitled: “Delivering skills that power the economy”. It outlines five main recommendations for improvement in the skills delivery framework, a topic close the hearts of every small business as they strive to employ skilled workers.
Other highlights of AAT Comment include events such as taxation and legislation workshops, podcasts and a feed to the AAT Twitter page.
Rob Alder, AAT’s Business Development Manager, said: “Gaining more insight into the issues affecting small business is a core priority of the AAT. The launch of AAT Comment will bring us closer to employers and it will provide SMEs with another avenue to impart information about legislation that has a direct impact on them. The online resource will be a pool of advice and support to benefit the UK’s business world.”