Commenting on the announcement that Cuadrilla has been granted permission to begin exploratory drilling at its Preston New Road site in Little Plumpton, Lancashire, Mike Cherry, National Chairman at the Federation of Small Businesses , said:

“Like many in Government and the industry, FSB is working to better understand the potential economic impacts, both locally and nationally, of onshore oil and gas. FSB supports the empowerment of local communities to make their own decisions based on best available evidence, which may require exploratory drilling.

If an onshore oil and gas industry develops and expands in the UK, the emerging players in the market must back small and microbusinesses in their supply chains. This will be a key focus for FSB, working with the industry and regulator.”