The business leaders accused Eurosceptic MPs of putting 'politics before economics'. The comments follow cabinet ministers Philip Hammond and Michael Gove publically saying they would vote to leave the EU.

Signatories of the letter include Richard Branson, Martin Sorell and the current and next presidents of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). BT, Deloitte, Lloyds and Centrica also backed staying in the EU.

The letter said, "The economic case to stay in the EU is overwhelming. To Britain membership is estimated to be worth between £31 billion and £92 billion per year in income gains.

"What we should now be doing is fighting hard to deliver a more competitive Europe, to combat the criticism of those that champion our departure. We should push to strengthen and deepen the Single Market to include digital, energy, transport and telecoms, which could boost Britain's GDP by £110 billion."

British businesses can greatly benefit from the Single Market, enabling the business to grow. Exporting to EU countries can bring additional opportunities and gains. However, the current turbulent economic situation across the EU can increase the risk of late payments, bad debt and insolvency within the supply chain.

Managing risk is key to protecting a business. Using international credit reports to assess how viable a customer is can reduce the likelihood of knock on effects. Graydon's credit information is real time and as a result offers the latest data allowing clients to make informed credit decisions.

The in or out EU debate has been gathering momentum in recent weeks. The manufacturers' organisation EEF recently called on the Prime Minister to hold a proper informed debate on the EU relationship. The group said the current debate is 'letting British businesses down'.

In the letter the business leaders concluded, "The benefits of membership overwhelmingly outweigh the costs, and to suggest otherwise is putting politics before economics."

The relationship between the EU and Britain affects businesses of all sizes and across all sectors, as a result the EU debate is undoubtedly important to businesses.

Finance options include asset-based lending, equity investment and peer-to-peer lending. According to the CBI, UK banks are currently the source of nearly 80 per cent of all credit to growing businesses.

However, the CBI said the financial crisis has put the UK on an 'irreversible path to a 'new normal' in financing'. Regulatory reform, balance sheet restructuring and a more realistic pricing of risk, mean that traditional bank debt will no longer be the right finance for all businesses, all of the time.

Katja Hall, CBI Chief Policy Director, said, "The UK's small and medium businesses are the backbone of our economy so ensuring they can access the capital they need to grow and create jobs is critical.

"Banks will continue to be a vital source of finance but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution, and we're encouraging growing firms to open their eye to the broad range of funding options on the market."

The guide, 'Ripe for the Picking', highlights research that shows high-growth SMEs could be worth up to an additional £20 billion to the economy by 2020. A recent report from GE Capital shows that SMEs plan to spend £51 billion over the next twelve months, but will need the right funding to realise their potential.

Businesses should explore their options and ensure they are well prepared before approaching any lender. Showing that the business is viable and financially stable is key to securing funding.

Possessing a strong credit rating and trading track record can boost a businesses chance of success and open more doors. Graydon provides tips on improving a business' credit rating.

Commenting on CBI's report Mr Cable said, "Britain's businesses cannot grow, export and innovate without proper access to bank credit. But they also need alternatives when looking for finance, as a traditional bank loan might not always be the answer.

"The government wants to see a shift in the market structure towards non-bank lending, and through the business bank is deploying £300 million of the £1 billion allocated to the initiative to invest alongside the private sector in new entrants and the growth of small lenders."

SMEs have struggled to obtain funding since the recession as banks restricted credit and became more risk averse. The rise of alternative lenders is giving small businesses more options and could boost the economy as a result.

The national town centre vacancy rate in the UK was 11.9 per cent in April, the highest rate since the survey began in July 2011. The figure had increased from the 10.9 per cent reported in January.

Helen Dickinson, British Retail Consortium (BRC) Director General, said, "It's a major concern that the vacancy rate has reached a record high, driven by increases in almost ever part of the UK, with some regions like the South West seeing a significant leap in empty shop numbers.

"With high streets topping the agenda for many now, there's a real opportunity here to seize the moment and stem the tide of further closures."

BRC and Springboard's footfall monitor showed that footfall in April was one per cent higher than a year ago, an improvement on the 5.2 per cent fall in March. The figure represents the strongest performance since December 2011.

High streets reported the greatest rise (3.4 per cent) followed by out-of-town locations (0.3 per cent). Footfall in shopping centres fell by three per cent in April.

Diane Wehrle, Retail Insights Director at Springboard, explains that the disparity is partly due to the fact that many of the high-profile retail failures have been located in malls. This is creating holes in their retail frontage, which is adversely affecting their attractiveness to shoppers.

Mrs Dickinson added, "As we saw in our April sales figures, there are some very tentative signs of conditions improving, but the trading environment remains volatile. Retailers will be hoping that warmer weather and a Bank Holiday boost help May to usher in better news."

The unstable market conditions means that it is vital for retailers to maintain a healthy cash flow. Just one late payment can push a business over the edge, particularly if sales are already down. Graydon's ePatrol monitors all of a business' clients, allowing them to see critical events and rating changes at a glance. Having real time credit information means firms know in advance when a customer is likely to become a payment problem, enabling them to act and safeguard the business.

Businesses that operate within the retail sector, such as wholesalers, should also keep an eye on the situation. A number of high-profile retailers failed at the beginning of the year and the vacancy rates suggest retailers are continuing to become insolvent. A customer failing can significantly impact on the profitability and trade of a business.

Monitoring a customer's financial situation can help minimise the risk of an unexpected failure within the supply chain. Businesses should consider spreading the risk by expanding the breadth of their supply chain.

The retail sector has been one of the worst affected throughout the recession and the sluggish recovery. Whilst increasing vacancy rates should boost surviving retailers, due to decreasing competition, the recovery process and consumer confidence remains fragile.

Councils are responsible for procuring £58 billion of goods and services. The councils honoured have found ways to support their local economy though better procurement processes so they can help thousands of small businesses get off the ground.

Norfolk council was praised for cutting unnecessary red tape and in doing go saving between 30 and 40 days from their tenders under £100,000

The councils named winners were Barnsley Metropolitan Borough, Bury, City of London Corporation, Halton Borough, Harrow, Hertfordshire, Manchester City, Sheffield City and a joint bid from Surrey County and East Sussex County.

Local Government Minister Brandon Lewis, spoke at the event, "Small businesses are the heartbeat of the British economy, central to creating jobs, stimulating the economic growth and innovation. But all too often we hear they are being excluded from procurement opportunities though overly bureaucratic processes."

A recent report made a number of recommendations to the government aimed at supporting micro-businesses, which make up around 95 per cent of all businesses in the UK.  One of the proposals includes making it easier for small businesses to bid for £230 billion a year of public sector contracts.

Having access to additional contracts can help micro-businesses expand. As businesses grow new risks can emerge, ensuring that businesses have the right information when making decisions is vital for growth and stability. Enterprise Packages from Graydon are designed with small businesses in mind.

These packages include credit reports and monitoring services enabling informed credit decisions to be made. Late payments and bad debt could place considerable pressure on a young or small business and as a result push them into insolvency. The Enterprise Packages help manage and reduce the risk.

Lord Young, the Prime Minister's Enterprise Adviser, said, "Taking the red tape away from the public sector procurement process will give an enormous boost to entrepreneurs and a big reduction in costs to government.

"This competition is providing a vital service in shining a light on the very best councils, and I welcome the steps that they have taken to open up their own procurement, helping to get local small businesses growing and fit for the global race."

Graydon also offers tailored credit reports for specific job purposes, for example supplier procurement. This service provides procurement officers with the assurance that a supplier will be able to provide a specific service to a specific contract value. Graydon's Procurement and Supplier Selection could benefit councils giving contracts to smaller businesses, as they will know in advance the amount of risk involved.

Gemma Carter, Northamptonshire County Council Principal Accountant, comments, "It is vital that we get a long term view of a provider to ensure that there is no interruption of services or indeed a cessation completely. Graydon through its specialist investigation department gives us that comfort, where experienced analysts provide the answers that we require to make the best informed decision."

As small businesses grow it's important for them to be aware of how new customers or suppliers can negatively impact on their business. The firms that remain cautious whilst taking new opportunities can benefit.

The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) figures show a 1.7 per cent increase in car sales for April when compared to the same month a year earlier. However, in absolute figures, it is the third lowest level of registrations for a month of April, with a historic low for April reached in 2012.

The increase could also be down to, on average, an additional two more working days compared to the same month last year across the region.

Speaking to Bloomberg, Gian Primo Quaglinano, head of automotive research company CSP, said, "The recovery of sales in Germany is positive and may be an indication that consumers are getting back into the market on signs that austerity in Europe may be close to an end. When the car market changes direction, the reason is never just related to technical calendar effects."

The comments should be welcomed news for car manufacturers across the EU.  The slump in sales have directly affected businesses across the region and indirectly affected many firms within the supply chain.

Monitoring a business' supply chain is key to reducing late payments and bad debt. Graydon's risk monitoring services allow clients to proactively monitor their customers and suppliers for signs of financial distress. By using real time information and Graydon's credit ratings businesses can rest assured that risk is managed and minimised.

Hans-Peter Wodniok, an analyst at Fairesearch GmbH, also told the publication, "Hopefully the worst is over. For the rest of the year, the market will probably be less negative than it was before." He added it was likely there would be no more 'dramatic falls' in the southern part of the region.

The ACEA data varied widely across the EU, the UK posted a strong 14.8 per cent increase. Germany (3.8 per cent) and Spain (10.8 per cent) also saw an improvement in their markets. Meanwhile France (-5.3 per cent) and Italy (-10.8 per cent) faced a downturn.

The wide variation in figures show how vital it is to know the market conditions when operating in a foreign country. Conducting international credit reports is a vital step that should be taken before entering into an agreement.  Checking the creditworthiness of a business before you begin working with them can save time and money in the long run.

From January to April, the UK remained the only major market to post growth, expanding by 8.9 per cent over this time. Spain (-6.7 per cent), Germany (-8.5 per cent), France (-12.3 per cent) and Italy (-12.3 per cent) all saw their demand decline, leading to an overall 7.1 per cent decrease in the EU.

The car market appears to slowly be getting back on track but the conditions remain tough across Europe. Looking further afield for opportunities could allow losses on the continent to be offset.

The comments come ahead of the EU referendum amendment to the Queen's Speech and on the back of a Draft Bill to enshrine this referendum to law.

Terry Scuoler, EEF Chief Executive, said, "Our future relationship with Europe is crucial for British business, those who work for them and those companies considering investing here. We need a debate that gives the British public the evidence it needs to make an informed choice about what it could gain from a reformed Europe.

"In January the Prime Minister promised to promote the benefits of the Single Market and work with like-minded states in Europe to create a union focused on growth, competitiveness and job creation. Whatever their views, the rest of his party must commit themselves 100% to this approach for the benefit of Britain."

The Single Market provides many British businesses with trading links that allow businesses to expand and reach new markets. International credit reports enables businesses to take these opportunities whilst reducing the risk as much as possible. Graydon's comprehensive reports show how creditworthy a potential business partner is and are available instantly online.

Surveys conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce and the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry suggest that the majority of businesses want to stay in the EU. However, re-negotiating the current relationship, with some powers transferred back from Brussels to Westminster, was deemed the best option.

When action is taken regarding the EU, whether it is a re-negation or referendum, it will undoubtedly impact on British businesses and the supply chains they operate in.

Speaking at the event Mr Osborne said, "We have a clear economic plan, our plan is working. Now is not the time to lose out nerve. Let's not listen to those who would take us back to square one. Let's carry on doing what is right for Britain. Let's see this through."

CBI President Sir Roger Carr also spoke at the event, he urged the government to focus on four key areas of actions: executing policy, construction and infrastructure, increasing aviation capacity and engagement with Europe.

Mr Carr said, "We need a relentless focus on execution-driving plans for quick wins and fast starts." He added that whilst the direction of travel had been positive this needed to be accelerated in order to benefit businesses.

The economy has gradually been improving, growing 0.4 per cent in Q1 2013 and avoiding a triple dip recession. However, the sluggish growth is resulting in a lack of confidence from businesses and weighing down investment intentions.

The construction industry saw output fall in the first quarter of 2013 to the lowest levels in 15 years. The figures highlight how vulnerable the sector and businesses operating within it are. Mr Carr said that whilst the Funding for Lending scheme had helped the sector more needed to be done to support growth.

Businesses that are struggling to access the credit they need to grow should consider following Graydon's tips on improving a business' credit score. Looking over the business' credit report can flag up issues that need resolving and boost a business' prospects of successfully receiving credit.

Businesses that are exposed to the construction sector should also consider the volatility of the market and how it may affect their suppliers or customers. Knock on effects such as late payments and bad debt can place a business in jeopardy. Graydon's risk monitoring services allow businesses to monitor critical events and rating changes. This enables clients to put measures in place to safeguard their business.

Increasing aviation links to benefit businesses has been a hot topic in recent weeks. Business lobby group London First is urging the government to lift the cap on the number of flights allowed at Heathrow. Birmingham Airport has also released a report claiming a network of airports will best serve UK exporters.

Mr Carr said that increasing aviation capacity would 'drive the export agenda'. Businesses that are considering exporting to grow and expand should use international credit reports to ensure that businesses they are working with are viable. Conducting international businesses can pose a high amount of risk but taking precautions allows businesses to benefit whilst remaining safe.

Whilst the economy slowly returns to pre-crisis levels businesses need to remain wary, as challenges and dangers are still present.

Like-for-like sales across the whole business, in the year to April, increased by four per cent. Underlying profit before tax is now expected to be at the top end of expectations, between £75 million and £85 million.

Sebastian James, Chief Executive of Dixons, said, "This strong year puts Dixons in the best position it has been in for many years. I believe that we have a clear business model that allows is to flourish in an internet world."

A multi-channel approach is becoming increasingly important for retailers. The convenience and competitive pricing of online shopping attracts consumers. Keeping up to date with what customers want allows a business to continue moving forwards. Retailers that have yet to adopt a multi-channel business model should consider investing.

Credit conditions for businesses are slowly improving, although many SMEs are still struggling to access the money they need. Determining a business' net worth is just one of the tips, provided by Graydon, that businesses can follow to improve their chances of obtaining funding [link].

Dixons like-for-like sales in Northern Europe have shown strong growth in the last year, growing by 12 per cent. In the last quarter alone sales have grown by 19 per cent.

These figures are in stark contrast to those seen in Southern Europe, over the course of the year like-for-like sales fell by eight per cent. The picture is even worse for PIXmania, the business' internet retail arm, where like-for-like sales fell by 24 per cent in the year to April.

Dixons fortunes across Europe highlights how wider economic issues can affect businesses. Being aware of these conditions enables businesses to put measures in place to reduce risk.

Graydon's ePatrol alerts clients should any critical events or rating changes occur within their ledger.  The dynamic real time information gives businesses the data they need when making credit and other business decisions. The service also allows businesses to know when a customer is likely to become a payment problem, allowing the credit team to focus their effort where it is needed most.

Consumer and business confidence is increasing, albeit at a slow pace, but remaining cautious can be beneficial and allow the risk of late payments and bad debt to be reduced.

The ONS figures released last week show construction output fell to the lowest levels in 15 years during the first quarter of 2013. When compared to the previous quarter, Q1 was down 2.4 per cent and 6.5 per cent lower than Q1 2013. The decline was largely driven by a sharp decrease in new work. Construction output makes up between six and seven per cent of GDP.

Research by R3 suggests that 30 per cent of construction firms across the UK are at risk of failing in the next twelve months. This figure compares to 24 per cent of all businesses at risk across all sectors.

Businesses that operate within the construction sector should remain alert to weaknesses in their supply chain in order to minimise the risk of knock on effects. Graydon's risk monitoring services enable clients to take a proactive approach when reducing risk.

A failure within the supply chain can often mean that debts go unpaid and are difficult to reclaim. A customer or supplier going out of business also causes additional affects that can impact on cash flow.

Lee Manning, former President of R3, said, "With the construction sector remaining in a delicate state- flagged by last week's Markit/CIPS UK construction PMI data which recorded a fall in activity for the sixth consecutive month- times are likely to become even tougher. Issues such as late payment will be critical."

When margins are already tight late payments have an even larger impact. Reducing the risk of a customer defaulting on payments can help maintain a healthy cash flow. Using credit reports [link] to assess the creditworthiness of a potential or established customer is key for tackling late payments.

Graydon's Trade Payment Programme shows clients how businesses pay other suppliers, past and present. It also flags customers who pose a risk allowing the credit team to focus their efforts where it is needed most.

Mr Manning added, "In a flat market where construction isn't thriving- where there is effectively an oversupply of sub-contractors, pricing is very slim. Therefore this 'oxygen' of payments must be kept flowing through the system. Any delay could push a subcontractor into a downward spiral."

With margins being placed under pressure a healthy cash flow is vital for construction businesses. Managing the risk of late payments, bad debt and insolvency within the supply chain can help businesses continue trading through the challenging conditions.

The latest Bank of England Trends in Lending report found little had changed for SMEs, with conditions remaining tough. The figures were poor despite schemes aimed at boosting small business lending, such as the Funding for Lending scheme.

Marc Glazer, CEO of Boost Capital, an alternative provider, said, "So many of the UK's SMEs are struggling to get funding via traditional lenders. Despite government proposals intended to help, we have yet to see any significant impact."

Businesses need to ensure they appear creditworthy before approaching lenders, both the traditional banks and alternative providers. Having a strong credit score and trading track record demonstrates a business' reliability and financial stability.

Businesses can improve their credit scores by following Graydon's tips. Having a look over the business' own credit report may also improve the chance of successfully obtaining finance by flagging up any potential issues.

A recent survey found that many SMEs are in the dark about the finance options open to them. Exploring the different options available enables business' to choose the right provider and payment method to suit the needs of the business.

Mr Glazer added, "Small and medium- sized businesses are the bread and butter of the UK economy. There are a great many SMEs with solid finances who are struggling to access capital to fulfil their growth plans.

"Without a much-needed boost, SMEs cannot contribute to the country's economic recovery that everyone is hoping for."

SMEs make up 99 per cent of private sector businesses and as a result a boost in lending to smaller businesses could drive the economy forward. Whilst improvements to the availability of credit have been made, more needs to be done to support ambitious viable SMEs.