Small Business Britain Calls for Action in the run-up to the 2010 General Election

https://www.smallbusinessbritain.co.uk

LONDON, February 24, 2010 - According to a new YouGov report commissioned by Intuit, Small Business
Britain today faces a number of business challenges that offer both real
opportunities and real threats to the success of its members.

In response to the report, Intuit has launched its Small Business
Charter, giving small businesses across Britain a channel through which to
call on the government, elected bodies, banks and the wider business
community to support their success and prosperity over the coming decade.

The report spoke to 1,000 small business owners around the country.
Results show that from cash flow to late payments, from supporting employees
to specific tax policies, small business owners are in agreement over the
support they need to prosper in 2010:

    - 45% of all respondents feel that banks need to offer better rates for
      small businesses

    - 35% of small business owners want interest cuts to be passed on in full
    - 84% feel that their ability to provide a more personal touch with
      customers is a key advantage over their larger competitors
    - 40% call for a reduction in employers' national insurance contribution

The Small Business Britain campaign is designed to help small businesses
find real solutions to the challenges they face, backed by Intuit's
experience in supporting small business customers.

Businesses can sign up to the Charter at
www.smallbusinessbritain.co.uk to show their support for the campaign.

"The run up to the UK general election is a critical time for the future
of UK small businesses," says Pernille Bruun-Jensen, Managing Director of
Global Small Business at Intuit. "Now more than ever, small business owners
need the support of their Government, their banks and their peers if they are
to successfully take advantage of the economic recovery. The Small Business
Britain campaign gives these businesses a voice and a channel through which
to share experiences and build success together."

The full Small Business Britain Charter can be viewed at
www.smallbusinessbritain.co.uk

    Key pledges incorporated in the Charter:

    - Small Business Britain is dedicated to committed and personal customer
      service
    - Small Business Britain is dedicated to getting paid for the goods and
      services it provides
    - Small Business Britain will help all members manage a positive cashflow
      to support and facilitate their business success
    - Small Business Britain will provide a great place to work for its
      employees
    - Small Business Britain needs dedicated and specific tax policies
    - Small Business Britain requests specific policy changes from the UK
      banking industry
    - Small Business Britain requires more dedicated customer support from
      the UK banking industry

About the Small Business Britain Survey

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample
size was 1016 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 7th - 9th December
2009. The survey was carried out online.

Contact details: Hotwire for Intuit intuit at hotwirepr.com or +44(0)20-7608-2500