Partner Article

North East FSB activists influence the future of the UK economy

The voice of North East small businesses will be heard at a major conference in London on January 27.

Senior Cabinet Ministers, a former advisor on small business issues to American President Obama Karen Mills and leading entrepreneurs will come together at the Federation of Small Businesses’ (FSB) first Policy Conference.

The event will shape not only the future of small businesses in the North East but across the UK, helping influence the agenda for enterprise, growth and educational skills.

The FSB, the leading voice of business, believes small firms will form a vital part of the economic and political debate in 2014 and beyond.

Recent FSB research shows confidence is on the rise among North East small businesses, with many looking to grow in 2014. For this growth to be achieved and small firms to fulfil their role in the economy, hurdles such as access to finance, burdensome regulation, and the gap between skills and employability must be overcome.

In the US, the Small Business Administration, formerly headed by Karen Mills, spearheaded efforts to remove barriers to growth for small firms and acted as a powerful voice in the heart of government on behalf of those businesses.

Discussions on the day will be framed by the question of whether a similar institution could work in the UK, with Ted Salmon ensuring that the concerns and issues of North East businesses are taken on board.

The FSB is streaming the conference live to a global audience. Register at www.fsb-policy-conference.co.uk and join the debate on Twitter by following and using #FSBGrowth and #FSBSkills

Ted Salmon, North East Regional Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses, said: “The role of small firms has never been more important, and we are proud to have been invited to an event where we can voice the issues that North East members are concerned about.

“We need to make sure businesses can access finance and the support they need to grow, and that they have confidence the education system will deliver school leavers with the skills they need in business.

“Whilst we already work with local councils and schools this event is an exciting opportunity for senior cabinet members, smart and influential economists and dynamic entrepreneurs to hear North East questions and for us to shape future UK policy.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Federation of Small Businesses .