'To raise the profile of the FSB whenever possible, to lobby politicians and key decision makers to ensure that small businesses are able to contribute through fair means to the economic success of the West Midlands and that this contribution is recognised'

This will be achieved by

• Influencing West Midlands' politicians, agencies and organisations to ensure that the small business perspective is heard, understood and incorporated into regional strategies and policies. These will include the West Midlands Regional Development Agency (Advantage West Midlands), the West Midlands Regional Assembly, Government Office West Midlands, sub-Regional Partnerships, county level Local Strategic Partnerships and other key decision makers across the region.
• Promoting and publicising small business issues in the regional media and FSB successes to members.
• Providing meaningful research documentation to support both regional and national campaigns in conjunction with our members.
• Working with other business organisations when appropriate to maximise the impact of our message.
• Seeking to 'add value' to the work of the Regions and Branches in the Area, and that of National FSB policy, with the benefit of the FSB member as its objective.
• Operating at the Area level, unless assisting a Region or Branch with a specifically agreed project.
• Feeding through issues relating to National Policy.

The West Midlands APU will focus on the following policy areas:

• Crime
• Manufacturing
• Skills
• Sub-National Review (SNR)/Planning/Procurement 
• Transport

This is in addition to key FSB national policy principles such as reduction of red-tape and bureaucracy and improvement of the general business environment. From time to time, urgent issues may emerge - such as Postal Issues or Foot and Mouth – which can be included, when necessary, to benefit FSB members.