Manufacturing firms nationwide are being asked to play their part in cutting bureaucracy and red tape in the latest phase of Red Tape Challenge, the government’s campaign to reduce burdens on British businesses.

For the next three weeks the focus will be on 140 different regulations that manufacturers and producers have to deal with every day. The Challenge asks whether the regulations are good or if they are burdensome and should be scrapped and for suggestions on how regulations can be improved or simplified to reduce the burden that they place on businesses but maintain protection for employees, consumers and the public.

Minister for business and enterprise Mark Prisk says: “Our manufacturing sector is at the centre of our plans to rebalance the economy and promote sustainable private sector growth. That’s why cutting back the bureaucracy and the red tape that you have to deal with every day is one of my main priorities. I want our manufacturers to be making things, not filling out forms.

“To do that, we need your help. Do we really still need laws on the nationalisation of British Steel? Tell us about the regulations you deal with every day; not just those that are aimed at manufacturers but other legislation and inspection regimes that serve no useful purpose, get in the way of growth and keep you looking over your shoulder.

“You are best placed to know how these rules affect your business. The Red Tape Challenge is your chance to do something about them, make suggestions about how they could be done better and get Government off your back.”