Positive news on GDP is no time for industrial complacency

"It's positive news – an increase of 0.7% is encouraging but this is no time for complacency. Cash flow, access to finance and the cost of compliance remain concerns for our members. Further government attention and business support is essential if small businesses are to full take advantage of brighter skies ahead. We welcome Government intentions to tackle late payment, but further work is still required in areas such as tax simplification and business rates. "It is vital that the Government continues to tackle these issues to make life easier for small firms. The support and advice provided with business organisations such as ours also remains crucial if the real drivers of the UK economy are to take advantage of these green shoots and get Britain trading at a pre-2008 level. "While today's news is welcome sign, further support will be needed on the road to recovery." he concluded. Commenting on the recent release of the GCSE results in a later statement, Orford said: "[FPB congratulates] GCSE students, who are reaping the rewards of all their hard work. Young people have a lot to offer, and businesses are keen to employ them. Unfortunately the situation remains that many young people entering the job market lack the basic skills employers are looking for and hold unrealistic views of the workplace. "Basic literacy, numeracy and IT skills are essential to every job and employers are reluctant to hire if they have to plug the gap where compulsory education has failed," he continued. "This continues to be a concern for our members, who tell us that they have difficulty in finding the school leavers with the right skills, experience and work ethic. "Employers must be assured that qualifications reliably reflect a given level of skill. We know that schools and pupils are working hard to raise genuine skill levels, particularly in the core subjects of English and Maths, and this must remain a major priority. Schools need to work in partnership with local businesses to ensure the skills young people are developing reflect working life. "In addition, we would like to see further moves to improve the quality of careers education and work experience provision to provide pupils with a greater insight into and understanding of the career choices available, and the qualities, attitudes and behaviours employers are looking for in their future workforce."