Parties set out small business plans in election manifestoes
As the election campaign is in full swing, political parties are publishing their manifestoes. FSB is looking at the small business policies of all the main parties. FSB gave its initial reaction to the Conservative and Labour proposals, and is also reacting to other parties on X @fsb_policy and LinkedIn @FSB Westminster, and where relevant, the X accounts of FSB in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. FSB published its own manifesto for small businesses and the self-employed last week, which is a blueprint of pro-small business policies for whoever forms the next UK Government.
Book your free place at the live General Election Small Business Debate
Small businesses and the self-employed are invited to take part in the live Small Business Debate on Monday 17 June from 6pm. You'll hear from, and be able to question, Kevin Hollinrake, Minister of State in the Department for Business and Trade, Conservatives; Jonathan Reynolds, Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Labour; and Sarah Olney, Treasury and Business and Industrial Strategy spokesperson, Liberal Democrats. You can choose to join either in-person at 1 Moorgate Place, London EC2, or online. Tickets are free and should be booked in advance for both in-person and online attendance. Book your tickets here now.
GDP flatline shows all parties must set out clear plan for growth
Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that GDP was flat in April, with zero growth - instead of the small increase that had been forecast by many economists. FSB National Chair Martin McTague said: “The flat growth in GDP shows the economy is not yet delivering the conditions that small businesses need to flourish. With the election just weeks away, no political party has yet set out a compelling vision for how it would achieve a steady increase of two to three per cent growth per year.” This point was echoed by FSB’s chief of external affairs, Craig Beaumont, who told LBC News that each party must be clear on how it would achieve a steady increase in growth and support small businesses.
Deadline approaches for registering to vote in the UK General Election
A General Election has been called for 4 July 2024. You need to register to vote in elections and referendums. Register to vote here by 11.59pm on Tuesday 18 June 2024. You’ll also need to register again if you have changed your name, address or nationality. You can register for a postal vote until 19 June, but you must already be registered to vote to do this.
Cyber security guidance for the self-employed and sole traders
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has guidance tailored for the self-employed and sole traders on cyber security. Having cyber security can reduce the risk of becoming victims of cyber attack. According to FSB research, 72 per cent of small businesses experienced cyber crime in the last two years. The NCSC website also has guidance tailored for SMEs.
New regulatory impact assessment toolkit published by Scottish Government
The Scottish Government has published a new Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) toolkit to guide officials and stakeholders on how to correctly complete an impact assessment. FSB welcomed the move as an important step towards small businesses being properly considered in the development of new regulations and policy proposals. FSB worked closely with Scottish government officials on the redrafting of the toolkit, the publication of which marks an important milestone in the Scottish Government’s New Deal for Business.
Minister attends small business retail forum in Wales
FSB hosted the Welsh Government’s new Minister for social partnership, Sarah Murphy MS, at the Wales Retail Forum, which advises on issues facing the retail sector. As an essential part of the economy in every community of Wales, FSB made the case for smaller retailers and the support they and their employees need. Discussions included how town centres can be supported to thrive, how to improve staff recruitment, and an update on the proposed Deposit Return Scheme in Wales. Also, this week, FSB held the annual North Wales Business Conference focusing on the three key themes of wellbeing at work, financial support for businesses, and Artificial Intelligence.
Survey: Improving diversity and inclusivity in supply chains
Business in the Community (BITC) and YouGov are inviting small business owners to take part in a survey as part of their project to improve and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within supply chains. It looks specifically at the opportunities and barriers that occur and how more diverse and inclusive supply chains can be developed to benefit both small businesses and larger corporations. The survey closes on 30 June.
Northern Ireland and Gibraltar small businesses come together to share knowledge on EU trade agreements
FSB Northern Ireland met with Gibraltar Business Minister the Hon. Gemma Arias-Vasquez at the annual dinner of the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses. With a keynote address delivered by Roger Pollen, head of FSB Northern Ireland, the event explored parallels between the lobbying role of business in the Northern Ireland Protocol and Windsor Framework negotiations, and the current situation facing businesses in Gibraltar, which remains unresolved.
Let’s Grow Business Together this Pride month
This LGBT+ Pride month, FSB is reminding small business owners and the self-employed about its LGBT+ Business Hub. Launching in 2022, it aims to fill a gap in the market for a free online resource page for LGBT+ business owners. At its core, FSB members' stories and presented to help others - including people considering setting themselves up in business. It’s also a useful resource for employers who want to make their workplaces LGBT+ inclusive, but don't know where to start.
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