Weekly Brief Week 11 of 2009              Friday 20 March 2009

In this week's issue:  FSB Conference; Post Bank; Credit; Keep Trade Local; Case studies

FSB Conference

The FSB National Conference 2009 kicks off today. Hundreds of small businesses will discuss ways to kick start the British economy at the Celtic Manor in Newport, South Wales. Delegates will hear speeches from FSB National Chairman John Wright, FSB Policy Chairman John Walker and addresses from Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills John Denham, Shadow Business Secretary Kenneth Clarke and broadcasters John Humphrys and Andrew Neil. Keep up to date by visiting the FSB website or follow us on Twitter.

Credit

An FSB survey released at our annual conference today reveals that a third of small businesses have been hit by higher bank charges and are still struggling to access credit. The report, by FSB Professor of Small Business Alistair Anderson was reported by Sky News, the Telegraph, the Daily Mail, and the Press Association.

Post Bank

The FSB put a stamp on this week's news by joining a coalition of organisations to call for a Post Bank, which as part of the Post Office, would provide financial services and strengthen the network. The proposals were reported by the Guardian, the Daily Mirror, the Morning Star, the BBC and in a variety of TV and radio interviews.

Keep Trade Local

The Sunday Times quoted elements of the FSB's Keep Trade Local campaign as part of an article on suggestions for saving the high street.

Case Studies

Ricochet Television is looking for couples who have decided to start up an exciting new business together as a result of being made redundant. For more information contact 01273 224 800 or email ournewbusiness@ricochet.co.uk

Documentary

Documentary company True Vision and BBC1 are making a year-long documentary about the personal impact of the recession on communities, individuals and businesses around Britain in 2009. If you or your business is feeling the impact of the economic downturn and you'd like to find out more visit www.truevisiontv.com/change

Have a good weekend,  

Marc Shoffman