Regional Chairman's New Year Message
Jenny Cartwright was elected chairman of the Staffordshire and West Midlands Region at the Regional AGM on 27th November 2009. Please see below a New Year Message from Jenny.
"This past year has been one of enormous change and upheaval to many of us. In amongst the gloom of redundancies and cutbacks we all have the prospect of VAT increases to look forward to in the New Year. However, such disasters always bring out the best in people. Now is the time when many of us achieve our biggest sales and profits. We must be continue to be positive and use the past adversity to build a stronger team to face new challenges.
The FSB is also undergoing changes and has seen a number of new appointments to bring about a stronger team. Many new proposals are being sought to meet the demands of a larger membership. I hope you will be able to find the time to become involved in this process as the FSB needs your voice in order to continue to be the most democratic and representative Business Organisation.
Next year could see a new government and now is the time to ensure that our views are heard. Whatever government is chosen will mean a period of change for the Country. The FSB will continue to lobby on your behalf to ensure that Westminster and, indeed, Brussels, understands that although our businesses may not vote, the people that own them and work in them certainly do.
On the Regional front, all of our four branches have worked hard this year to bring you the most up to date and meaningful events. We have the skills to host superb meetings and bring you top class speakers. However we need you to help us by suggesting topics for your business. We value your support and hope that together we can overcome the problems of the past year.
May I take this opportunity to wish you a very prosperous New Year."
Jenny Cartwright, Staffordshire & West Midlands Regional Chairman
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Would you like to know more about the benefits of becoming a member?
The Staffordshire and West Midlands Region of the Federation of Small Businesses is one of the most varied areas of business in the UK. From the rural economy of the Staffordshire Moorlands to the bustling commercial outlets of the country's 2nd city - Birmingham; from farming to finance; from distribution to tourism; from food production to manufacturing.
Well known for it's traditional manufacturing industry and historic links to the industrial revolution, the region is currently undergoing rapid change in its economic makeup. It is an area of contrasts, where long-established companies work alongside new business enterprises, maintaining the region's reputation for innovation and development. Its unique network of transport links, which is soon to be enhanced with the construction of the Birmingham Northern Relief Road provides unparalleled distribution routes for businesses across the whole country.
The region includes several cities such as Birmingham, Lichfield, Stoke-on-Trent and Wolverhampton together with the major towns of Burton-on-Trent, Dudley, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stafford, Tamworth and Walsall and the market towns of Cannock, Leek and Uttoxeter. The FSB in Staffordshire and the West Midlands is administered by a regional committee and the 4 branch committees of Birmingham, Black Country, North Staffordshire and Burton, Lichfield & Tamworth.
Is your local Post Office about to close?
There are currently 8,000 rural and 6,500 urban Post Offices in the UK, and despite an annual subsidy of £150 million from the Government, the Post Office Ltd (POL) makes a loss of £100 million a year. This is likely to rise to £200 million this year. The Government has therefore decided to allow the Post Office to close 2,500 Post Offices from January 2008.
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