Foreword from the National Chairman
Four out of five small businesses have contributed to their local community or charity in the past three years; many help develop the next generation’s skills through offering work experience or apprenticeships; and they are much more likely than big corporations to employ those furthest from the labour market.
During my visits across the UK this year, I met countless owners of thriving and innovative small businesses which enrich the communities in which they’re based. The UK’s 5.8 million small businesses and self-employed are integral to the UK’s future economic and social development.
The breadth of talent and ingenuity among SMEs was showcased in the FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards 2019. Choosing winners across the various categories was extremely difficult, but I was pleased to announce as this year’s overall winner the family-run Cruise Loch Ness. The Ethical-Green Business of the Year category was a particularly interesting one, demonstrating how sustainability is fast becoming not just a priority for small businesses, but in some cases absolutely core to their business model.
Another issue which I have been pleased to see growing in recognition and importance is mental health in the workplace and among the selfemployed. FSB launched a campaign called It’s OK to Talk about Mental Health, and I believe it is integral to promoting good mental health that people are able to talk about it. That is why this year I chose Heads Together as FSB’s Chairman’s Charity. Heads Together, spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, does tremendous work in promoting mental wellbeing, and FSB is proud to support it.
FSB’s members are at the heart of our organisation, and none more so than those who volunteer – giving their time and expertise to further the greater good of the UK’s small business community. Our member conference in March brought together volunteers from across the country, all doing tremendous work locally, regionally and nationally. It was a reminder, if one were needed, that we are stronger when we stand together, and I look forward to us doing so for a very long time to come.
Small Businesses: At the heart of our communities
FSB’s success in supporting small businesses and the self-employed not only drives the economy but also strengthens our communities. Smaller businesses help to make our towns, cities and rural spaces more vibrant, rich and diverse places in which to live, work, study and visit. They are often the heartbeat of our communities through numerous undertakings, such as volunteering activities and support of local schools and colleges.
As agents of social change, small businesses often provide jobs, skills and training to those furthest from the labour market, such as those with disabilities; people with a low level of educational attainment; people returning to work after a career break; the long-term unemployed; unpaid carers; ex-prisoners and those who have previously served in the Armed Forces.

80% of small businesses actively contribute to their local community

95% of all small employers have taken on at least one worker from a labour market disadvantaged group in the last three years

40% of small businesses offer work experience as part of their community outreach

38% of small businesses donate time to their local community

32% of small businesses contribute skills to their local community
Delivering for our members
2018-19 saw FSB publish 44 policy reports, briefings and consultations in addition to national campaigns on behalf of its members. Targeted at a range of audiences, these outputs highlighted and drove change on key business issues that affect our members the most, to a range of key audiences.
Lobbying Wins

Late payments reform package agreed


Employment Allowance retained and focused on small business

Reduction of a third off Business Rates bills for small businesses in England

Training pilot for the self-employed

Future funding protected for Start-Up Loans and New Enterprise Allowance

Apprenticeship co-investment halved for small employers

Fuel Duty Frozen for the ninth year in a row

£420m pothole funding

No HMRC fines for those struggling with Making Tax Digital
Supporting our members
FSB provides its members with a range of benefits to help them run and grow their businesses. These include 24/7 legal advice; tax investigation protection; access to finance; a medical and health service and the award-winning First Voice magazine.
In the last financial year, FSB helped hundreds of its members with legal protection insurance, including employment tribunal cover and covering loss of earnings for jury service.
Highlights of the last financial year in numbers





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