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Information for Officials

The Small Business Service Regulatory Policy Team works with policymakers in Whitehall and elsewhere to help assess the impact proposals could have on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

Working with officials gives owners and managers of small businesses a first-hand opportunity to submit opinions on the potential impact a regulatory proposal may have.

• Common Commencement Dates

       The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in December 2004 that government would extend common commencement dates for all legislation bearing on business beginning in 2005.

• Focus Groups, Test Panels, Workshops and Consultations

       Consult the Small Business Service database at later stages of the Small Firms Impact Test, to find participants for these groups.

• Implementation Periods

       Owners and managers of small business will be given time and guidance on introducing policy changes.

• Preparing Guidance for Small Firms

       Officials' recommendations must be well-tailored and easy to follow: read our advice on drafting guidance.

• Regulation Updates

       Business owners and managers can obtain government's 'see-at-a-glance' guide on regulatory changes.

• Small Firms Impact Test

       Small Firms Impact Test (SFIT) is a mandatory requirement. If needed, help is available to complete the test.