Monday, October 29, will see the Chancellor Philip Hammond deliver his 2018 autumn budget. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) hopes that it will be unapologetically pro-small businesses.

That’s why we have written to the Chancellor setting out some key ‘asks’ that would help small businesses to survive and thrive in these uncertain times.

For example, we are asking for targeted support for struggling high street firms, recommending a £1,000 business rates discount for small shops, cafes and pubs. We also want to see increased investment in local roads and universal access to 4G broadband. On National Insurance contributions, following an immediate climb-down on the bid to increase Class IV contributions for the self-employed last year – and the abandonment of a pledge to end Class II NICs earlier this year – we want to see this tax-grabbing mentality replaced by meaningful support for sole traders in the budget announcements.

We also ask for statutory Adoption Allowance for the self-employed, as well as an extension to the Start-Up Period and reforms to the Minimum Income Floor for sole traders who claim Universal Credit. The latter would help to provide more useful support to those that take the leap into self-employment and setting up their own business.

Warm words from the Government are always welcome – provided they translate into action. Small businesses are massively important. They make up more than 99 per cent of all UK enterprises and account for more than 60 per cent of employment.

This is the Chancellor’s make or break opportunity to show he really does back small businesses. After all, 5.8 million small, businesses (voters!) will be watching to see how the Government will act to help them keep their heads above water. So it could be a ‘sink or swim moment’ for all.