Welcome to the North East Policy Unit
"Getting your voice heard is the number one aim of the North East Policy Unit. Small businesses will drive us through the current economic downturn into recovery. To help ensure this happens we need your input.Using your evidence we can help shape policies locally, regionally and nationally."
Martin McTague North East Policy Chairman
Small Business, Big Vote: The Debates
The FSB in the North East has arranged two debates in the run up to the General Election. The first will be held in Stockton on April 12th followed by Tynemouth on April 13th.
If you would like to attend either of the debates please let us know.
If We Can You Can Challenge 2010
The If We Can You Can Challenge 2010 has been launched to help inspire those wanting to start a business, develop their business or expand their own business. There is no more important time to help spread the benefits of starting a business and celebrate the region's success.
Freeze National Insurance Rises
We are calling on the Government to freeze the increase in National Insurance contributions in April this year. The rises will stall job creation when the recovery of the economy needs it most.
Show your support for the freeze by signing the petition at www.no-nics-rise.co.uk
Check your business rates
We are urging all small businesses to check their rateable value to ensure that the amount paid in business rates is correct.
Small businesses can claim Small Business Rate Relief by contacting their local authority.
Annual Survey results are in
We have just completed our annual survey giving an insight into how small businesses have fared during the downturn. In the North East 50% have seen profitability fall and 46% have seen sales fall.Most worrying is that 25% believe the situation will get worse in the next twelve months.
How are you faring? What changes can be made to improve your business? Let us know what you would like to see.
Small business internships launched at Number 10
John Wright, FSB National Chairman, led a delegation to Number 10 to celebrate the success of small businesses. At the event Prime Minister, Gordon Brown MP, launched a £13.6m fund to provide internships for small businesses across the UK. We will be working with the five universities in the region to help increase the numbers of internships across a range of sectors.
If you are interested in taking on an intern or want more information let us know.
FSB Hosts Skills Roundtable
The skills needs of the North East were discussed at a FSB hosted roundtable in Hartlepool. Chaired by Iain Wright MP, and attended by a number of key stakeholders, it is clear that the complexity of skills funding is putting off many small businesses. Improving the quality of careers services and improving the links between teachers and small busineses are also needed.
What do you think is needed to improve the skills in the North East? Let us know what you would like to see.
Small Business, Big Vote
Small businesses are the solution to getting the UK out of recession but need help to do so. Our election manifesto "Small Business, Big Vote: The Route to Recovery" outlines ways this should be done now and for any future Government. We are looking for case studies to help support the lobbying priorities in this. If you have one let us know.
Follow us on Twitter
You can follow the FSB in the North East on Twitter @FSBnortheast.