A REPORT published today shows that small businesses are entering a golden age.

Compiled by the Prime Minister’s enterprise advisor Lord Young, it said there is a record number of small firms operating across the UK, now standing at 5.2million.

This is an increase of 760,000 since 2010.

But, according to the Federation of Small Businesses, the report reveals there is a need for a voice of enterprise to be at heart of Government.

Neil Eames, FSB development manager said: “The FSB seized the opportunity to work with Lord Young on the small business agenda, and this report underlines many of the issues we have made real progress on, not least his work to bring together education and business, streamlining public procurement for small firms, and the establishment of the British Business Bank.

“However, there are still many areas that need further work, as discussed in our Business Manifesto for the 2015 General Election, such as poor payment practices and a fundamental reform of business rates.

“Small firms have appreciated a strong voice of enterprise in the heart of Government. Whoever wins the next General Election, FSB members believe a dedicated business voice at 10 Downing Street should continue.

“This is the first step to the founding of a proper UK Small Business Administration, with all the benefits it would bring as it has in the USA.”

The FSB has around 200,000 members and aism to protect and promote the interests of entrepreneurs who own their own businesses.

Read Lord Young’s report by visiting gov.uk/government/publications/report-on-small-firms-2010-to-2015-by-lord-young