This major contribution to the growing literature on small business discusses policies in EU member states as well as those in the USA, Japan and other countries. Written in non-technical language and assuming no prior knowledge, Governments and Small Business will interest and challenge everyone in government and the professions.

PART ONE: THE ROLE OF SMALL BUSINESS Introduction - Alan Peacock Changing Viewpoints Small Firms as Exporters New Business Formation, Unemployment and the Role of Small Business in Economic Growth Britain in the 1980's, Enterprise Reborn? PART TWO: TAXATION Tax Reform and Small Firms

An Impossible Dream? A Global Perspective VAT and Small Business

European Experience and Implications for North America The Compliance Costs of VAT for Smaller Firms in Britain and Germany PART THREE: REGULATION Social Legislation and its Impact on Employment in SMES Removing Government Burdens on Smaller Enterprises