FSB’s Parliamentary reception champions start-ups, and women entrepreneurs
FSB welcomed politicians to its UK Parliamentary reception on 15 May. Speakers at the event, which focused on start-ups and women entrepreneurs, included Chloe Smith, Secretary of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Nick Thomas-Symonds, Shadow International Trade Secretary, and Small Business Minister, Kevin Hollinrake. FSB Policy & Advocacy Chair Tina McKenzie said at the event: “We are launching a new drive focused not simply on supporting existing small businesses, but also those which haven’t been created yet.”
Saving lives globally through entrepreneurship: FSB names Entrepreneur of the Year 2023
Kirsty Smitten, 28, Sheffield, was named as FSB’s entrepreneur of the year at the UK final of the FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards 2023 in Birmingham this week. Smitten founded a spin-out company following her PhD, developing the first new class of antibiotics in over 35 years. FSB National Chair Martin McTague said: “Kirsty Smitten is the ultimate example of an entrepreneur. Her impassioned drive to save lives has seen her excel in enterprise in an incredibly short time.” Other winners included an innovative pet wellbeing business; a successful fast food start-up that blends Scottish and Dutch street food; and a family-run care home.
FSB Northern Ireland attend Balmoral Show
FSB Northern Ireland attended the 154 Balmoral Show last week. As a key partner of the event, FSB hosted Chris Heaton-Harris, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, FSB members, and senior politicians from Northern Ireland’s main political parties, discussing issues such as late payments to small firms.
Single bus fare cap extended
The Department for Transport has responded to FSB's campaign by extending the £2 bus fare cap for single journeys in England until the end of October. After that, the cap will be increased to £2.50 until November 2024. FSB National Chair Martin McTague said: “This move will likely encourage shoppers to go to towns and cities – just the fuel we need for economic growth.”
Business women in STEM awards
Nominations are open for the Inspirational Business Women in STEM and Construction awards. The awards are hosted by Business Women in STEM in partnership with FSB. The final will be hosted by Baroness Sandy Verma in the House of Lords on 22 June.
Trade Unlocked event
FSB members are invited to attend Trade Unlocked, a conference for policy makers and businesses to discuss the future of trade and international trade at the Birmingham NEC on 20 June. FSB members can receive complimentary tickets by using code: TU23FSB.
Consultations on changes to business rates
The Valuation Office Authority (VOA) would like to hear from landlords and business owners who pay business rates as part of consultations on plans to disclose more information on business rates valuations.
Join the board of directors of Craft Scotland
Craft Scotland, the Scottish membership body for craftspeople, is looking for new board members who have an interest in finance to become part of its Finance and Remuneration Committee. Applications close at midnight on 28 May.
Updated guidance on asbestos
As part of its campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched two new online resources, including an asbestos awareness quiz, and a video of a webinar held in partnership with the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).