
As part of the work done on behalf of small businesses in Essex, Havering and Redbridge, Essex FSB is actively supporting the FSB's national Keep Trade Local Campaign.
Partnerships
Working in partnership with local authorities, other business organisations and key policy makers, as well as with FSB members across the county considerable successes have been achieved.
Petition
If you wish to support the campaign please download a copy of the petition here and encourage colleagues, family and friends to sign it!
Parliamentary Reception
Essex FSB Chairman Iain Wicks and Secretary David Miles were invited to a special Keep Trade Local reception at the House of Commons in July 2009 when the first 55,000 signatures on the petition were handed in to the Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Pictured are David Miles and Iain Wicks with the then FSB National Chairman John Wright (in centre) at the House of Commons Reception.
Manifestos
The FSB has produced a number of manifestoes, all of which have been circulated to every local authority in Essex, Havering and Redbridge.
Essex FSB representatives are now working with those councils to persuade them to adopt these policies and implement them to benefit local businesses.
The manifestos are:
- Parking Charges: Local Authorities are using parking charges as a source of revenue, but in market towns across the country this strategy is bleeding our high streets dry. Parking Manifesto
- Business Rates Relief: The burden of business rates falls disproportionally on small businesses. Business Rates Manifesto
- Crime Prevention: One in five of all crimes in Britain are committed against businesses. Crime Manifesto
- Public Procurement: Procurement is an under used tool in sustaining local communities. Public Procurement Manifesto
- Postal Services: Small businesses are heavily dependent on an effective Post Office network. Postal Services Manifesto
- Rural Economy: It is the wealth created by rural entrepreneurs and their use of local resources, that will encourage the sustainability of local
communities and provide critical help to make environmental protection a reality. Rural Economy Manifesto
Latest News
For the latest news on the campaign go to Essex News and insert "Keep Trade Local" in the search engine.
Suggestions
If you have ideas or suggestions on how to advance the Essex Keep Trade Local campaign please send details to Essex FSB Regional Organiser, Keith Brown.