A WORD FROM THE REGIONAL CHAIRMAN

The FSB is the largest and fastest-growing business organisation in the UK with over 215,000 members nationally, including over 5,300 in the South and East Yorkshire Region. The primary role of the FSB is to work on behalf of our members to further the interests of enterprise and support them in playing a dynamic role in helping to drive the creation of wealth in the business economy.

It is testimony to the determination and commitment of our members that in recent years the FSB can demonstrate many outstanding successes in bringing about change. In particular, the vital contribution of small businesses and the self-employed - who together create 50% of the national Gross Domestic Product - is at last starting to be recognised.

It is only with the vigorous co-operation of the business community that economic development and regeneration can continue, and we intend to ensure that the rewards for enterprise continue to be supported and encouraged at the highest levels.

A current important campaign being waged is "Keep Trade Local". Our concern is the number of small shops closing on local high streets. The UK's independent shops are teetering on the brink of extinction. Our extensive research shows that a tipping point is imminent and once this is past, the total meltdown of traditional retail will be unavoidable.

We aim to secure the future of small shops across the UK and safeguard the choice and competition that people expect in the market place. The House of Commons All Party Small Shops Group estimates that by 2015 there will be no independent retailers in the UK. This equates to the closure of over 50,000 small businesses. The Competition Commission has failed to offer a lifeline to small shops, so it is even more important that our campaign is effective in guaranteeing the future of our local communities. We therefore urge all members to click on the following link and sign the petition to KEEP TRADE LOCAL:

     Sign the petition today: http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/keeptradelocal/

TONY CHERRY