BURY business leaders have given their firm backing to a "think small first" campaign to co--incide with a major EU summit held this week.

Bolton and Bury Chamber has endorsed the call for decision makers to listen to small firms while framing legislation.

The chamber is supporting a major new position paper, published by the UK's small business leaders.

This document presses for better regulation, a stronger voice for small firms in Europe, a single market that works, easier access to finance and secure online trading.

Business bosses wanted these issues to be the key priorities for EU leaders meeting in Barcelona today and tomorrow (Fri-Sat March 15-16).

The British Chambers of Commerce, working in partnership with other leading UK business organisations, is calling on the Spanish Prime Minister, Jose Maria Aznar, Tony Blair, the European Commission and the European Parliament to "think small first" in all policy-making and agree practical measures to provide a world-class environment, in which, small firms can thrive.

Supporting the initiative, Andrew Ratcliff, chief executive of Bolton and Bury Chamber, said: "Local businesses are increasingly on the receiving end of new legislation from Brussels.

"Some of this new legislation is ill thought out and places a huge burden on small businesses."

And he stressed: "It is vitally important that decision makers listen to the real needs of small firms when framing legislation.

"Ninety-nine per cent of companies in the EU are small and medium-sized enterprises and account for 53 per cent of total employment in Europe."

Mr Ratcliff concluded: "It is vital that small and medium-size enterprises have a stronger voice in Europe as they continue to be the driving force of economic development, job creation and innovation."