John Walker, FSB Policy Chairman, welcomed panel guests and introduced the policy session which this year would consist of two parts: a review of the year followed by three different policy sessions (on local government, campaigning and health & safety) to enable greater input and discussion from members.

• In reviewing policy activity for the year, John stressed that the FSB had not been in the business of talking down the economy unnecessarily. Rather it was our role to come up with ideas to help our members through the downturn.

• Our high-profile lobbying on this issue had seen new campaigning tactics, such as advertising to support lobbying, and had resulted in the £1.3bn Enterprise Loan Guarantee scheme.

• John highlighted the ongoing challenge of supporting members, particularly regarding behaviour of banks, and called on the banks to look at the recently-published FSB principles of banking document.

• He also highlighted:
  • the success of the Keep Trade Local campaign
  • the publication of a manifesto for June's European Parliament elections
  • the need to lobby the government to avoid any increases in tax or regulation

Stephen Alambritis, Head of Public Affairs, introduced a series of TV coverage and newspaper clippings from the past year and highlighted the need for us to maintain our profile, building on the success of the past year.

Andrew Cave, Head of Policy, spoke about the successful campaigning of the organisation over the year and that this was due to all parts of the Federation. He stressed the need for the organisation to work together to achieve results (such as the Keep Trade Local successes and the £1bn survival fund). To support this, a new work placement initiative for policy staff would be introduced.

Finally, John Walker thanked policy committee members and staff for all their hard work over the year.