A shout out to Entrepreneurs & the Small businesses

O.k, I'm not one normally to get on my soapbox.  Firstly, as it probably wouldn't comply with health and safety but just recently I have heard a handful of comments that just damn well niggle me. It's not that I haven't heard them before, it's just that I decided today, about an hour ago, that enough was enough. 

I take my hat off to any individual that has a dream, a belief that they can do something that will create an income or a living on their own.  I too believed.  I am taking nothing away from those that choose to work for others, not at all, each to their own.  This is about those that at the outset, take that first step that often gets themselves into debt for their beliefs, they have to look after themselves, maybe their families on little or no income for years, sometimes, until their fledgling, gets stronger and flies on it's own. The ones that, when they have a bad day or see things not working out, are the only ones that can pick themselves up, as often families, the bank, employees are relying on them.  These are the ones, that may have to take out further loans or have charges put on their family home to ensure their businesses stay afloat, and their employees, remain employed.  They have no set hours and will put in any hours it takes, to maintain the stability of their business. Weekdays and weekends are all the same. The only difference with a standard weekday to a bank holiday is double time or lieu hours, when they themselves often work below the living wage for the good of their business and it's growth. 
Now, in time, every entrepreneurs plans are that their business will take off and strive and produce a living for themselves and their families and the potential of further growth equaling further employment.  It's a win win.

So, I say to those in charge of decisions that affect small businesses, spare a thought for what they have had to sacrifice and borrow and juggle to get where they are today.  For every new rule or piece of red tape that is implemented, it's a step back for growth.  Every additional tax that is levied, is another hurdle to jump to keep their business afloat, employment in place and a roof over their heads, let alone staying on top of bank repayments. To those that endorse these hurdles, my question is this. What are you trying to achieve?  Yes, there may be a short term gain by increasing taxes but something that is unreasonable, cannot be sustained in the long term.  If you make the hurdles too high, they shall fall. No fault of their own or the hard work they have contributed, and when they fall, so will their employees, along with quality of life, into their homes and their families. 
So, next time one of these decisions is being passed, spare a thought for the individual who was prepared to go without any income or security for the sake of investing in themselves and the economy, who wanted to take on the responsibility of employment of others and all the laws and pension regulations that surround it.  Instead of crushing them for a short term gain.  Help them.  Help them to grow and flourish, look to the future, for the good of a long term growth plan, which benefits everyone. O.k, I feel better now.  Can someone help me down from this soap box.