It’s been another busy year for our FSB London volunteers who have been involved with hosting online and in-person networking events; been part of conversations with MPs, London Borough Councils, Greater London Authority (GLA); contributing to various borough-wide, London-wide consultations; adding their voice to our various campaigns including the #MyULEZConcern video.
Some of our FSB London volunteers have taken part in the ‘FSB Talks’ masterclass series of events sharing insights and top tips across a range of topics of interest to the small business community. Some have attended Expos, and many are involved with our eight FSB London Policy Groups. These relating to: Cost of Doing Business, Crimes Against Business, Diversity & Inclusion, Environment, Health & Wellbeing, Infrastructure, Skills, and Women in Business.
Others have contributed by being part of key stakeholder events such as Start Up Business Week, signing FSB Local Leadership Partner agreements, FSB Member Stories, International Trade Week, FSB National Chair visit to the London region, providing prizes for FSB’s end of year campaign – London #FSBmemberDecember amongst many other opportunities. Thank you to you all!
Now to share some words from some of our FSB London Volunteers about why it’s great to give back through FSB volunteering:
“It’s a great experience to have been part of an active team, working for the benefit of small businesses in London” Michael Lassman, FSB London Regional Chair (Equality Edge)
“Volunteering for the FSB has taken me on an exciting journey in 2023. It’s been an adventure and I look forward to much more in 2024” Gbemi Shitta, FSB South London Area Lead (SweetDoughThings)
"One of the best things about being a volunteer member for FSB in London is that I can help other business owners, whether it's through hosting events, giving encouragement, or speaking on their behalf on a local level. Looking forward to more of that in 2024!" Grace Graham, FSB London Diversity & Inclusion Policy Lead (Keep it Simple Training Company)
“As a volunteer for FSB, I have had the chance to share my experience and help the wider business community and, because of FSB’s clout, get involved with bigger topics” Jan Jilis van Delsen, FSB London Skills Policy Lead (Associated Learning)
“I find being a volunteer with the FSB is rewarding because it gives me another platform to connect with people and help them as they build their businesses. It also gives me a sense of being part of something bigger, working towards common goals on matters vital to the future of small businesses which are, after all, the backbone of the UK economy!” Sarah Marsh-Collings, FSB Outer South East Event Host (babelMonkey Digital Marketing Management)
“For me, it’s all about the FSB community – so important for small businesses” Sat Pillai, FSB London Environment Policy Lead (Circled Up)
“Being the Event Host for FSB West London events let’s me give back - in big ways - to the community that has done so much for me!” Amit Sodha, FSB West London Event Host (ActionCOACH)
“For me, FSB promotes opportunities for being involved with the sustainability and skills agenda, both of which interest me in giving back” Mark Jenkinson, FSB London Environment Policy Group member (Crystal Associates)
If you are a FSB member keen to get more involved with the FSB Family in 2024 and make more of your FSB membership, please get in touch with the FSB London Regional Team or, discover some of the benefits of FSB Volunteering here – “Together we are stronger”