The FSB Professor of Small Business, Alistair Anderson, updated National Conference on the difficulties that small businesses are facing. Professor Anderson outlined a number of challenges which FSB members are facing including access to finance, increased bank charges and reducing staff numbers.

Depsite this 60% of FSB members reported that they are performing the same or better than last year. In addition 78% of members said that customers are supporting them through this economic downturn outlining the crucial nature and positive impact of the Keep Trade Local campaign.

Professor Anderson's closing remarks pointed towards small businesses firing up the British economy by tackling the credit crunch head on by showing greater flexibility, diversifying and delivering high value customer service.