Mike Southon, serial entrepreneur, author of the best-selling ‘beermat entrepreneur' and Financial Times columnist recently launched the FSB ‘Real-Life Entrepreneurs' campaign. Addressing an audience of entrepreneurs across Kent and East Sussex, Mike shared tips on finance for business, improving sales and managing Government regulation.  His big ending even addressed the meaning of life!

 

This was followed by presentation by FSB benefit providers: Abbey Legal, Independent Financial Services and Worldpay.

 

The ‘Real-Life Entrepreneurs' campaign addresses the concerns of real people (not TV celebrities or Corporate ‘fat cats') who want to start or grow their business.  The FSB has reshaped its policies and redesigned its benefits package to help small businesses start and grow and to put real-life entrepreneurs on the map.

 

Commenting on the event, Peter Archer FSB Policy lead for East Sussex said: "This free event included top business tips, a lovely buffet and time for networking.  It proves the FSB supports small business people all the way.  It is heartening to hear the FSB, the biggest business organisation in the UK, is standing up for the unsung heroes of the economy – real-life entrepreneurs."

 

 

 

 

The FSB is ‘signing-up' Government leaders at all levels to champion the campaign.  All the region's MPs have been contacted and we hope to report on more successes in 2012. But we already have two to shout about!  Stephen Lloyd MP for Eastbourne and Willingdon is the first to pledge his support and is leading on an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons to support the campaign.

 

 

Lord Cotter, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Business, Innovation and Skills in the House of Lords, has also signed the pledge.  He met with the Lord Brett McLean, and National Councillor (and new Regional Treasurer) Patrick Trowell at the House.  Lord Cotter is pictured left at the Houses of Parliament with Brett McLean (left) and Patrick Trowell (right).