SMEs say they support the development of the Construction Products Regulation as the “single piece of EU legislation” regulating construction products.
Representing 99% of the sector, SMEs are said to play a pivotal role in the achievement of the goals of the twin green and digital transition in the built environment.
In response to the European Commission’s consultation on the CPR, the Small Business Standards (SBS) and the European Builders Confederation (EBC) have now published position paper.
It states: “SBS and EBC recommend that the CPR and related technical specifications provide an SME-friendly framework that is comprehensible and easy to practise, while preventing red tape and excessive cost.”
The revised proposal introduces multiple new elements such as the inclusion of used products in the scope of the regulation and efforts towards the digitalisation of information provision.
Meanwhile, to mark the United Nation’s Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day, and the vital role such enterprises play in post-pandemic recovery, the airline Emirates says it is empowering MSMEs to seek growth opportunities with an attractive incentive for new members who enrol into its business rewards programme.
Eligible businesses around the world who sign up for a first time account will receive a joining bonus of 10,000 Emirates Business Reward Points – the equivalent of one Economy Class return ticket between most destinations in the Middle East, Africa/WAIO and Dubai.
Emirates’ say its offer aims to support MSMEs and “recognise the integral part they play in sustainable development, and the global economy and communities.”
There are currently more than 30,000 micro, small and medium sized businesses participating in the programme.
With a goal of ‘making business travel seamless’, the programme enables organisations to earn points on business travel, which can be spent on future flights and upgrades on any Emirates flight, in any class, subject to availability.
There’s no limit to how many employees can join the programme and no minimum spend is needed. Emirates Business Rewards is free to join and can offer a significant return to budget-conscious MSMEs.
Often called the backbone of economies formal and informal MSMEs make up over 90% of all global firms and account, on average, for 70% of total employment and 50% of GDP. They are key actors in achieving a green recovery.
An Emirates spokesman said, “We have a long track record of supporting small and medium sized businesses through its procurement of products and services across the business. Hundreds of small and medium sized businesses in a range of industries from around the world have benefitted from showcasing their products to a global travel audience with Emirates, providing a boost to their growth plans. These products include items such as sustainable in-flight amenity kits, boutique luxury spa products, single origin teas and artisan food products.”
