The Federation of Small Businesses is strongly represented on the Government’s new Small Business Council
Tina McKenzie MBE, FSB’s UK Policy Chair and Alan Lowry, CEO Environmental Street Furniture and FSB`s NI Policy Chair have been appointed to the Government’s Small Business Council.
The membership of the new Small Business Council was unveiled ahead of its first meeting today, as the Government reaffirms its commitment to the UK’s 5.6 million SMEs.
This is a huge accolade for the FSB which supports small business the length and breadth of the UK.
Chaired by Small Business Minister, Kevin Hollinrake, the Council will work alongside the Prime Minister’s Business Council to tackle the key issues facing small firms who will be given new levels of access direct to government.
Almost every business in the country is a small business (99.9%) who in turn support 27 million jobs across the UK, accounting for £4.5 trillion of annual turnover.
And almost every billion-pound company, tech giant or multinational corporation started off as small business, which is why this Council has been formed, to help support and nurture the next generation of small firms to thrive and grow.
FSB`s UK Policy Chair Tina McKenzie MBE said: “This new council is important because it will bring what’s happening at the front line of British business, from our 5.5 million small business owners, right into the heart of Government.
“Alongside No.10’s existing corporate Business Council, the new body will shine a light on the unique challenges small firms face on areas such as finance, regulation and skills.
“The FSB is pleased to join it, and we hope to focus on how to reignite economic growth across our community.”
The NI FSB Policy Chair, Alan Lowry, said: “I am honoured and humbled to have been invited to join the Small Business Council to represent the needs of thousands of local SMEs across all sectors who make up such a high percentage of our business community.
“SME businesses are at the heart of the economy in Northern Ireland and across the United Kingdom.
” want to ensure that we create the right environment in which they can thrive and grow.”
Small Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said: “Small firms are at the heart of our communities and the engine of our economy – which is why the work of this council is so important.
“My own experience of working in a small business has given me crucial insights to the problems that SMEs face on a daily basis, from barriers to growth or access to finance.
“We’re giving small firms a big voice, so they can directly air their concerns to government without delay.
“Only when we work together can we tackle some of the burning issues SMEs are facing… and only then can we help boost jobs and grow the economy.”
Link to Statement from the Department for Business and Trade:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/sme-council-membership-revealed-ahead-of-first-meeting
Down News is an FSB NI Member.
