Weekly Brief 8 of 2009              Friday 27 February 2009

In this week's issue: Keep Trade Local; Royal Mail; Online fraud; Rate relief; Breakfast; Pubs; Banks; Real help; Case studies

KTL petition

The Keep Trade Local petition closes next week, if you haven't already, do sign up and show your support for the future of small businesses on the high street.

Post offices

FSB Trade and Industry Chairman Clive Davenport stuck up for posties across the land this week at a Communication Workers Union rally outside the Houses of Parliament where he spoke of the importance of preventing further Post Office closures. While the Government introduced a Bill on the future of the Royal Mail, the FSB issued a press release warning  that 80 per cent of small businesses rely on Post Offices, as reported by the Independent, the Daily Telegraph, the Times and the front page of the Morning Star.

Fraud

As news broke that Justice Secretary Jack Straw had lost his wallet in Africa, or so a Nigerian scammer would have us believe, the Financial Times and the Guardian, reported on the FSB's concerns over the effect of online fraud on small businesses.  The Office of Fair Trading website has also highlighted common scams and cons that may affect small businesses.

Rate relief

Support is growing for a Private Members Bill pioneered by the FSB: over 100 MPs have signed an Early Day Motion calling for rate relief to be made automatic for eligible firms. The Early Day Motion was tabled by Tory MP Peter Luff who is putting forward the Bill for its second reading in the House of Commons on Friday 6 March.

Breakfast with Wright

FSB National Chairman John Wright cut through the jargon of the recession at an Editorial Intelligence breakfast in association with the Financial Times this week. The discussion - titled Recession, Real Economy and Recovery - was between the FSB, Cass Business School, Barclays, and the City of London Corporation and was chaired by FT Editor Lionel Barber. Listen to the podcast.

Your round?

Are you a pub owner tied to a Pub Company? Has your PubCo asked if you would like to purchase the freehold for your premises? If so, email the FSB.

European Investment Bank

The FSB is looking for businesses that have tried to get funds through the European Investment Bank. Around £4 billion is supposed to have been made available through banks in the UK. Email the FSB if you have any good or bad experiences of trying to get this money.

Online support

The Government has a launched a new website detailing all its recent support packages for small businesses and tips on beating the recession.

Credit crunch

Cheetah Television is on the hunt for business owners working in anything from cheesemaking to ceramics who are affected by the current financial crisis, as part of a potential new series for a major broadcaster. Contact either Gareth Sacala or Helen Crampton at Cheetah Television or call 0208 222 4518 / 0208 222 4747 if you are interested.

Tax Credits

The Media Trust is making a short film for the Community Channel on the renewal of tax credits. The film will be used to guide people on how to successfully renew tax credits. If you have  a story to tell about claiming tax credits email Jacqui Mellor or call 0207 217 3622 by Monday 9 March.

Have a good weekend,
 
Marc Shoffman