Federation of Small Businesses - FSB Media Coverage for this week

Week 41 of 2008 : Friday 10 October 2008

In this week’s issue: Keep Trade Local update; credit crunch; economic recovery; rate relief; post offices; Select Committees; ambition; case studies

Keep Trade Local update
Brentwood Borough Council has this week vowed to direct public procurement to small businesses in response to the credit crunch, as well as promising to settle invoices with small firms within 20 days. The Local Authority has taken on board the fact that the FSB has been lobbying that 83p in every pound spent in local businesses goes back into the local economy. Meanwhile the Keep Trade Local roadshow hit Sheffield this week where meeting were held with MPs, councillors and journalists.

Crunch time
It was near impossible to pick up a newspaper or watch or listen to the news this week without catching mention of an FSB poll on the impact of the credit crunch on its members. FSB National Chairman John Wright got several namechecks as did many members, all raising concerns over costs, overdraft rates and late payments. The Daily Mail treated readers to a double page spread while reports on the survey could also be read in the Daily Mirror, and the International Herald Tribune. FSB Policy Officer Priyen Patel was mentioned in coverage by The Economist and FSB Head of Public Affairs Stephen Alambritis toured White City on the issue, appearing on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme and the BBC News Channel. To find out how the FSB is helping small businesses during the credit crunch, read this letter to members.

It’s the economy, stupid!
It is often said that a week is a long time in politics. For example, who had ever heard of the European Investment Bank until a £12 billion fund was mentioned by Prime Minister Gordon Brown this week? The Sunday Telegraph and the Daily Mail quoted an FSB spokesperson’s support for the fund.

And just as we had finished Googling “European Investment Bank” the Government’s long awaited economic recovery package was unveiled with plenty of food for thought for small businesses, particularly over access to finance and payment terms. The Daily Mail, the Guardian, and Sky News were among many media outlets putting pen to paper as FSB National Chairman John Wright hailed the opportunity for “constructive dialogue” between the Government and banks over their practices and charges regarding small businesses. Sun columnist and broadcaster Jon Gaunt also picked up on the FSB’s concerns over banks after speaking to a representative on TalkSport.

Rate relief
There is little relief over business rates for small businesses as the Daily Telegraph reported this week, highlighting confusion over the deadline for applications for the relief.

Post offices
FSB National Chairman John Wright was amongst signatories to a letter in the Guardian describing the financial, environmental and social reasons to save post offices from closure. The letter mentioned the help small businesses gain from the network.

Draft Apprenticeships Bill
The FSB gave oral evidence to the Innovation University and Skills Select Committee this week on the subject of apprenticeships. The FSB called for apprentices to be viewed on the same wage scale as 16-18 year olds in the workplace.

FSB gets ambitious
My esteemed colleague Prue Watson has written a column on how small businesses can survive the credit crunch for a new business magazine to be launched next month. The publication, “Ambition…be successful,” will be available in WHSmith stores nationwide from October 16. Visit www.ambitionmag.co.uk for more information.

FSB Needs You!
The BBC is looking for small businesses with stories that can reflect or rebuff the current economic climate to coincide with the publication of Quarter 3 GDP figures on Friday 24th October. The business should be making a significant announcement to coincide with that day such as job cuts or rises, shop closures or openings. If you think you can help, email prue.watson@fsb.org.uk.