The CLA has called on Government to ensure the newly-announced Enterprise Bill helps rural businesses to invest and grow.

The organisation, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, is responding to the Government’s commitment to include an Enterprise Bill in the Queen’s Speech on 27 May.

CLA President Henry Robinson said: “We are pleased an Enterprise Bill designed to support small businesses and job creation will be part of the Queen’s Speech, but it must benefit rural businesses as well as those based in towns and cities.

“The Business Secretary’s announcement highlighted ambitions to cut red tape and tackle the problem of late payment. Rural businesses are particularly affected by these challenges and it is critical that Government grasps this opportunity to effect change that has a positive impact on the ground.

“It is also incumbent upon the Business Secretary to ensure that this initiative of reform does not fall by the wayside which, unfortunately, too many previous attempts to cut red tape have done.

“There are countless examples of innovative and entrepreneurial rural firms across the country. We look forward to working with the new Business Secretary to ensure the Enterprise Bill works for rural businesses and rural communities.”