Within these pages is information about the FSB in the SW, its policies and about small businesses in the SW.
FSB members will find Briefing notes, the lobbying information series 'How to........' and reports from their representatives on various public bodies - membership numbers are required to log on.
Also to be found are contact details, mission statement, details on how SW FSB appoints its representatives and a jargon buster.
If you cannot find what you need, or if you have any problems or suggestions for improvement, please e-mail SW Policy.
STOP PRESS
Suffering from big company bully boys?
Recently we have had case studies about a number of large companies using their market power to seriously damage individual small businesses. The damage has taken several forms; Late or non payment, failure to adhere to contract, creating a nuisance such that the business cannot continue.
Although these cases could have been settled by law, we all know what a chancy and expensive business that is. The big firms know it and take advantage of it. Quite explicitly in several cases.
We want to campaign for a UK version of the Australian 'Trade Practices Act' which provides small businesses with a cheaper and simpler defence against such behaviour - very similar to trading standards.
As always in such situations, we need your comments and case studies please
Contact Vivienne Rayner at vivienne.rayner@fsb.org.uk
Advance Notice
Policy Study Day - April 25th at Lord Haldon Hotel, near Exeter
'Local Transport Plans' known as LTPs
LTPs are produced by County or Unitary Councils every 5 years. LTPs set out council plans to change transprt provision. Government uses it as a financial planning document. The LTPs have to be agreed by April 2011 next year, so if members want to make sure they have their say on parking, road charging, showcase bus lanes and light rail - to mention just a few topics, they need to get involved. This study day will equip members with the knowledge to get effectively involved.,