Jennifer Thomas calls on small businesses across Northamptonshire to join the FSB’s lobbying at government level. She also looks forward to the FSB Business Bootcamp later this month.
FOLLOWING the Budget, to which I have shared FSB’s response in Business Times, we are now looking ahead to the government’s forthcoming Industrial Strategy, which we are determined to ensure drives investment and provides opportunities for small businesses and the wider economy.
We were pleased that the Chancellor heard us loud and clear about the importance of the employment allowance before the Budget, in which she more than doubled the allowance from £5,000 to £10,500 to help to shield small firms from increases in employment costs.
There is no doubt, though, that larger small and medium-sized businesses will struggle with the rises in employer National Insurance on top of the large costs from the government’s employment law plans. Small businesses will also be concerned about changes to business asset disposal relief and business property relief.
We have been very clear in our warnings that jobs in and the growth of small businesses cannot and should not be taken for granted.
As ever, FSB’s’ policy and public affairs teams in Westminster will be working closely with ministers and policymakers from key departments. In Northamptonshire, we provide the intel and feedback from members on what matters to them – and we need you to help us to make the case.
If you would like to become involved as a local FSB member volunteer or if you can share your experiences and challenges which we can take straight to the desks of policymakers in Westminster and beyond, contact me at
Bootcamp boost for a new year
ONLY a few years ago, FSB was delivering talks at business events around Northamptonshire about the importance of using the cloud and apps to run your business.
Now, it is difficult to find a business that does not use or even rely on both – and over the pandemic those that were ahead of the curve and using digital tech were able to get even further ahead.
At this month’s local event, FSB Business Bootcamp: New Year Refresher, which takes place at Hothorpe Hall on January 30, our panel discussion on trends and tips for the year ahead will focus on what is coming up and encourage businesses to take action.
We are delighted to welcome Kerry Lewis-Stevenson, director of Business Times’ publisher Pulse Group Media, who will share her expertise and perspective, including how to connect with the local business community through networking, events and comms.
We have also asked Kerry to share her tips for other businesses, having revolutionised Northamptonshire’s annual business exhibition Your Business Expo through the introduction of an app.
Kerry will be joined on the panel by local experts in marketing, CRM and customer engagement, cyber security, social media and finance. The session will be followed by table discussions among all attendees sharing their own tips and best practice.
To find out more, email me at . Book your place at fsb.org.uk or scan the QR code below.
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