FSB launches small business manifesto
FSB has published a manifesto for small businesses and the self-employed - a blueprint for whoever forms the next Government aimed at driving economic growth and increasing the small business community from 5.5 million back to its pre-pandemic size of six million. It includes a call for a Small Business Act, to enshrine in law measures to stamp out late payments, improve access to finance, and increase the involvement of small businesses in taxpayer-funded projects through a statutory public procurement target. FSB Policy Chair, Tina McKenzie, said: “Our small business manifesto sets out the measures needed to create the conditions for growth, many of which do not involve additional spending. We’re looking to all of those seeking to form the next Government to show their commitment to the millions of hard-working voters who run their own businesses.”
Deal not sealed for small business votes, as poll reveals more than half could still be swayed in election campaign
Millions of voters who run their own businesses are still to make a final decision on who they will back on polling day, according to a snap general election survey by FSB. It found that 96 per cent of small business owners intend to vote, but one-in-five have yet to decide which party they will choose, while a further one-in-three have a good idea who they will vote for but could still change their mind. The poll received widespread media attention, including in the Daily Mail. FSB’s Tina McKenzie said: “Small business owners and the self-employed are a shrewd and motivated part of the electorate. They’re used to weighing-up competing offers when running their businesses, and it’s clear from our research that when it comes to the election they’re looking for which of the parties has the most compelling pro-small business offer.”
Join The General Election Small Business Debate live on 17 June
FSB invites small businesses and the self-employed to attend a special Question-Time style event on 17 June from 6 pm at 1 Moorgate Place, London EC2R 6EA, to find out about the main political parties' small business plans and policies. The General Election Small Business Debate, which will also be live-streamed, will feature: Kevin Hollinrake, Minister of State in the Department for Business and Trade, the Conservative Party; Jonathan Reynolds, Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade, the Labour Party and Sarah Olney, Treasury and Business and Industrial Strategy spokesperson, the Liberal Democrats. This event is brought to you by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in partnership with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and Enterprise Nation and will be co-chaired by FSB’s Tina McKenzie. Tickets are free and must be booked in advance for both in-person and live-streamed attendance.
Three steps for voting in the UK General Election
The Electoral Commission estimates that 8 million eligible individuals are not registered to vote. FSB’s small business members can help make a difference by becoming a Voter Registration Champion. This is a three-step information-focussed initiative to remind and inform employees and consumers about how they can participate in the General Election:
- Register to vote by 18 June at the government voter registration website.
- Know the rules: For the first time in a General Election, voters will need to show photo ID at polling stations. If you don’t have an accepted photo ID, you can apply for a free Voter ID document by 26 June. Visit the government page on applying for voter ID Certificate or equivalent.
- Turnout on election day, 4 July.
Key dates to prepare for include:
- Tuesday 18 June: the deadline to register to vote
- Wednesday 19 June: the deadline to register for a postal vote
- Wednesday 26 June: the deadline to apply for a free Voter ID Certificate
- Thursday 4 July: Vote in the Election.
King Charles III banknotes have entered circulation
Banknotes featuring a portrait of King Charles III were issued for the first time on 5 June. The portrait of the King appears on existing designs of all four banknotes (£5, £10, £20, and £50), with no other changes to the design. Banknotes featuring the portrait of Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II will remain legal tender, and are co-circulating alongside King Charles III banknotes. Bank of England’s Governor Andrew Bailey said: “This is a historic moment, as it’s the first time we’ve changed the sovereign on our notes. We know that cash is important for many people, and we are committed to providing banknotes for as long as the public demand them.” FSB said cash remains a key form of payment for small businesses, with one-in-four high street firms saying cash is still the number one payment method of choice among customers, according to FSB research.
Super ATMs could drastically improve business owners' ability to deposit cash locally
New super ATMs, which allow people to withdraw and deposit money with multiple high street banks, have been rolled out across a number of locations around the UK this week as part of a collaborative pilot scheme from nine major UK banks. FSB National Chair Martin McTague welcomed the pilot, saying it could help to improve small businesses' ability to deposit and withdraw cash more conveniently in rural areas, especially when coupled with Banking Hubs, which FSB has campaigned for. He told the media, including the Daily Mirror, The Independent, The Times, The Guardian, and BBC News: “Cash remains an important part of the payments mix for many small businesses and their customers. The decline of the bank branch network has left many without vital services and the ability to deposit takings.”
Small businesses call for review of jury service rules in Scotland
Scotland Policy Chair Andrew McRae wrote to the Scottish Justice Secretary Angela Constance MSP to raise small business owners' concerns about the impact of jury service on their capacity to trade. While recognising the importance of jury service, FSB has asked the Minister to review the current rules to introduce a specific exemption for the self-employed or small business owners, particularly concerning longer and more complex cases which may lead to a lengthy absence from their business. FSB has also asked for the notice given to be extended from four to five weeks to three months, to allow small businesses more time to plan for a potential absence.
Creative Economy in Wales
FSB concluded a series of roundtable discussions with SMEs working in the creative industries in Cardiff, following successful roundtables in Carmarthenshire, Anglesey, and Mold. The discussions spanned a range of important topics, including access to finance, skills availability, and the evolving impact of Artificial Intelligence on the sector. The insights will feed into an FSB report on the creative economy in Wales, aiming to identify policies that can support the ambitions of small businesses in the sector.
FSB meets Wales’ new Cabinet Secretary for the Economy
FSB hosted the Welsh Government’s new Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Welsh Language Jeremy Miles MS for a roundtable with small business owners. Discussions focused on key issues facing small businesses and explored how the Welsh Government can best support their economic growth. The event was also an opportunity to learn more about the Cabinet Secretary’s upcoming review on SME productivity and emphasise the importance of listening to the voices of small businesses during this process.
Celebrating British Farming, safely
A celebration of British farming, Open Farm Sunday, takes place on 9 June. The farming industry’s annual open day allows visitors to learn more about farming and the countryside and gives farmers the chance to talk about what they’re so proud of – British food and farming. Farmers can find out more about hosting an event here. The Health and Safety Executive said that visitors and farmers can find these open days informative, engaging, and rewarding, however, farmers also have a legal duty to make sure visitors are kept safe and well, and has published advice for farmers to keep visitors safe.
New phishing scam impersonating HMRC
Small business owners are warned to be on the lookout for scammers impersonating HMRC on X, formerly Twitter, and Facebook to gain access to confidential information like personal details and bank account information. HMRC said that it will never ask for any confidential information through social media channels and to report any suspicious activity to HMRC and Action Fraud.
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