The government’s efforts to reduce red tape have been widely praised.

Business minister Michael Fallon yesterday outlined new measures to prevent regulatory issues from needlessly preventing growth amongst British companies.

John Longworth, from the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC), is one of many business thought leaders to have applauded the actions.

However, in an interview with freshbusinessthinking.com, he warned that the government would also have to take large steps to contend with bureaucracy enforced by the European Union (EU).

He said: “Businesses tell us that the volume of bureaucracy is still too high and the weight of European legislation is making them less competitive in global markets.

“Although the government is making a big effort to reduce red tape domestically, ministers have little power to change or stem EU legislation. Brussels cannot continue to overburden UK companies like this any longer as it is severely damaging to long-term business growth.”

Fallon made it clear that the removal of red tape could do plenty to encourage business growth in the UK. This could result in more businesses being created and a growth of franchise opportunities for sale.

According to telegraph.co.uk, Fallon promised he would be “waging war in Brussels” in a bid to encourage a similar attitude towards red tape from the EU.