Weekly Brief 06

Read about the FSB's latest press and policy activities and opportunities for small businesses in the latest edition of Weekly Brief. Receive regular alerts by subscribing to the newsletter.

Entrepreneurship Inquiry will tackle access to finance to small firms

The All Party Parliamentary Small Business Group Entrepreneurship Inquiry will tackle why women and mature people are less likely to apply for bank finance, as well as why small firms still struggle to access finance in its first evidence session. Read the press release.

George Osborne guest speaker at the Chairman's Dinner

Chancellor George Osborne was guest speaker at the FSB's Chairman's Dinner. The FSB warned that the Government must now take a giant leap by putting words into action if small firms are to grow. Read the press release and view the photos.

Small business looking to shed staff in the first months of 2012

The 'Voice of Small Business' Index shows that a net balance of 6.5 per cent of small firms are looking to shed staff in the first three months of 2012 - the highest level yet. The FSB is calling on the Government to be bolder when reporting back on the Modern Workplaces consultation. Read the press release and the Index.

FSB guest of the day on The Daily Politics
National Chairman, John Walker discussed business issues with Minister for Employment Relations, Consumer and Postal Affairs, Ed Davey and Shadow Small Business Minister, Toby Perkins. Watch again on the BBC iPlayer (or mobile).

Small business confidence falls in fourth quarter of 2011

Small business confidence fell dramatically in quarter 4 of 2011 to 24.5 - a fall of some 15.2 points over the quarter. And one in eight (12.6%) firms expecting a worsening economic situation in the coming three months. The FSB is calling on the Government to put proposed policies into action. Read the press release and the report.

London 2012 legacy damp squib for small firms

New figures show that six in 10 small firms believe the London 2012 Games will not have a positive impact on their business in the long term despite David Cameron saying today that the UK is "on track" for a lasting legacy. Read the press release and the figures.

Government commits to banking reform