The Single European Market and the new regulatory regime in the food sector: the impact on small and medium‐sized manufacturing firms

Examines the impact of the Single European Market on small and medium‐sized firms (SMEs) in the food sector. The effects of complying with new Single Market regulations have fallen disproportionately on SMEs, which do not have access either to the resources or information available to larger firms. One consequence is that many small firm managers view the Single Market programme purely as an extra regulatory burden, with which they have to comply, without realizing the benefits. Advocates a more conciliatory approach to the implementation of European legislation by officials in the UK. Also highlights the need for a central body to co‐ordinate the implementation of standards and provide advice for SMEs.