Fresh from Dragon’s Den the panel will feature Maria Antoniou, creator of Bar of Crisps, who will be sharing her experiences of running a business over the last year. She will be joined by fellow business owner Gary Newman from Sterling Washroom Services.
The panel will also include Matt Jaffa, (Senior External Affairs Manager at FSB), Brendon Howlett, (Director of Wood & Disney and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants), and Henry Bennett, (Director of Wokendon Wealth Management).
FSB Regional Chairman, David Bell, will quiz the panel on what the Chancellor’s new policies mean for small business owners and the self-employed in practice. It will outline actions they need to take for their business, (and personally), and what it may mean for profitability.
Essex Development Manager, Ann Scott, said: “We saw the Chancellor put in place many of the measures we had campaigned for during the Autumn statement, such as the continuation of the 75% reduction on business rates for retail, leisure and hospitality.
“However, we must see more to help small businesses in the Spring Budget. They employ 16.7 million people, so they really are at the heart of our communities and the backbone of our economy – they must be supported if the economy is to thrive.
“FSB is calling for a rise in the VAT threshold from £85,000 to £100,000, an increase in the Small Business Rates Relief from £12,000 to at least £25,000, a restoration of tax-free shopping for overseas visitors and small business-tailored policies in the net zero space, such as FSB’s proposed ‘Help to Green’ scheme”.
FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services including advice, financial expertise, support, and a powerful voice heard in government. Established over 40 years ago, the non-profit making organisation is the UK’s largest business support group with several in-person and virtual events across Essex every month.
Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase an FSB membership at a discount of 10% on the day. They will be also able to find out what support is on offer from Backing Essex Business, ARU Arise Innovation Hubs, Chelmsford City Council and North Essex Economic Board, (NEEB), who have sponsored this event.
This event is being held at ARU’s Arise Innovation Hub in Chelmsford and is sponsored by NEEB.
Open to all small business owners, (FSB members and non-members), the networking event runs from 1pm to 3pm with plenty of refreshments on hand.
Booking in advance is essential.
