A MANIFESTO demanding a review of the region's business support networks has been unveiled by the Federation of Small Businesses in the North West.

Small Business - Big Part of the North West outlines the concerns of more than 17,000 members across the region, including businesses in Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire, and Cumbria.

The document, which seeks improvements in business support, funding, regulation, transport, employment, education and training, is aimed at boosting the economy and creating jobs.

North west policy chairman Mike Pearson says it was designed to give a straightforward explanation of the federation's concerns over growing mountains of red tape.

''Small businesses in the UK are currently taking on more staff than almost any other business group,'' he says.

''They already employ more than 50 per cent of the total workforce in this country, but there are issues that need addressing if this sector is to continue to thrive and boost the economy and jobs market in the north west.''

The Small Business Service and Business Links both come under fire in the manifesto for failing to fully address the real needs of small businesses. The federation says it would like to see the SBS afforded similar powers to its American counterpart, which reports directly to the President, whereas, here the SBS reports to the Trade and Industry Secretary.

To improve the service for small businesses, the federation says the SBS and the Business Links must prioritise support for existing businesses rather than focus on start-up strategies.

It also calls for finance to be channelled into services and not bureaucratic administration, more understanding for the needs of unincorporated businesses, and improved access to information.