The Small Firms Association has submitted a list of 28 measures on which it wants government action to help create the next 100,000 jobs across the economy.

An overhaul of the manner in which employees can take up company shares without being prohibitively taxed could give SMEs a fighting chance of attracting talent and flourishing.

The Government says its scheme to help entrepreneurs recover up to 41% of their start-up costs by way of refunds on previous income tax bills will encourage many more people to set up in business and create jobs.