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EU must change for SMEs - Nicholson.

Jim Nicholson MEP Conservatives and Unionists candidate for the Euro elections has outlined his belief that if Northern Ireland is to truly benefit from Europe, Europe must do more for small and medium sized businesses.

Speaking on the campaign trail Mr. Nicholson said:

"If Europe is to work for Northern Ireland it must work for our small and medium sized businesses. Unfortunately small firms, which are the backbone of our economy, have often found it difficult to take advantage of opportunities offered by the European Single Market of over 490 million consumers. Over-regulation, red tape and bureaucracy are limiting small businesses' chances of successfully reaching into the market and expanding.

"If re-elected I will be part of a strong grouping of Conservative MEPs committed to promoting the interests of Northern Ireland's small businesses in Europe. I will press for robust implementation of the measures contained in the EU Small Business Act, and for exemptions from EU regulations for our smallest firms. Europe must make it easier for small businesses to take advantage of the Single Market, above all by reducing the bureaucratic burden.

"Working with the strong grouping of Conservative MEPs and with the next Conservative Government, I look forward to delivering on a business-friendly agenda in Europe. Other candidates may claim that they are in favour of making Europe more business-friendly - I and my Conservative colleagues are able to delivering on this".