I was surprised when I heard the comments made by Alan Sugar earlier today. Apparently struggling small companies are “moaners”, and more, “they don’t need the bank, they need the insolvency practitioner”.
We’re living in the worst “global” economic downturn since records began. They are “unique” times. We know this because the very same government that appointed Lord Sugar keep telling us.
What surprises me more is that throughout the history of the Apprentice, many of the contestant challenges involve using the services of, buying from or selling to small businesses. I thought this was deliberate choice because Sugar understood that small businesses are the backbone of the economy. After his comments today, clearly not!
The vast majority of small businesses are owned by dedicated individuals, employing hard-working staff and providing high quality services & products. The last thing these businesses need is to discouraged by the comments of the government appointed “business czar”. He should have kept them to himself.
Martin
