In summary
It seems amazing that we’ve reached October already! September has seen another busy month at FSB, with political party conferences, an announcement from government of much-needed plans to clamp down on late payments to small businesses, following significant campaigning by FSB, as well as an overhaul of the apprenticeship system and plans to clamp down on rogue energy brokers.
As well as national issues, our local activity continues. There are a range of events, listed below, for you to get involved in. We’d be delighted to see you at some of them!
Featured news and events
Government announces plan to tackle late payments following FSB campaigning
We have been delighted to see the Government has acted on FSB’s recommendations by committing to introduce new measures to tackle late payments. The crackdown was announced at a high-profile launch event co-chaired by FSB Policy Chair Tina McKenzie and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, with Small Business Minister Gareth Thomas also in attendance.
The measures feature proposals to require payment practices to be included in annual reports, and consulting on new legislation on audit requirements for large firms and audit committee responsibilities in this area. A new, beefed-up, Fair Payment Code will replace the Prompt Payment Code in autumn.
FSB Policy Chair Tina McKenzie said: “This is what real change looks like – the Business Secretary has clearly recognised the importance of eradicating bad payment culture.” The announcement was covered by a number of national media outlets, including BBC Breakfast.
Bakewell In-Person Networking
π
Wednesday 16 October 2024
β² 17.00-18.30
π Aldern House, Baslow Road, Bakewell, DE45 1AE
Join us for an exciting opportunity to expand your professional network and build lasting connections with other business leaders in your local community. Our upcoming in-person Bakewell networking event is the perfect opportunity to meet new people, learn about other businesses in the area and share your own expertise and ideas.
Our speaker this month will be Ian Travers, founder of ThinkingitBetter, who will be delivering a thought-provoking talk titled Might we be getting in our own way? Why what we think matters. Ian has a wealth of experience in a number of different fields and, more recently, has worked as a mindset coach and mentor with a wide range of individuals: industry leaders, drivers in motorsport, entrepreneurs and many more, to help them unlock their own potential.
In addition to the valuable networking opportunities, we'll also have teas and coffees, savoury and sweet nibbles. Tickets are free – book your place here.
In other news
FSB makes the voice of small businesses heard at Party Conferences
Representatives from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) attended the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool this week, making sure the small business voice is heard on a variety of issues. Meetings were held with current and shadow ministers and productive dialogue is continuing to ensure the needs of small business are fully considered when establishing policy.
At the Labour party conference, FSB’s policy chair Tina McKenzie held productive meetings with Small Business Minister Gareth Thomas. The Conference speech from Chancellor Rachel Reeves stressed the importance of enterprise. FSB’s chief of external affairs, Craig Beaumont, gave FSB’s reaction on BBC Politics Live and Sky News Business Live, saying the Chancellor’s speech needs to be followed up with a “pro-small business Budget” in October.
Overhaul of apprenticeships in England welcomed by small businesses
FSB welcomed the inaugural Skills England report and the announcement of an overhaul of the apprenticeship system in England to refocus the new ‘Growth and Skills Levy’ on providing opportunities for young people. The new levy will replace the Apprenticeship Levy, a move that FSB had campaigned for. Additionally, new foundation apprenticeships will be introduced; the current 12-month rule will be removed – allowing for flexibility for shorter courses; and funding for lots of Level 7 apprenticeships will be moved outside the scope of the Levy.
These changes will mean more opportunities for small businesses to benefit from lower-level apprenticeships and, in turn, provide more young people with openings. FSB will continue to work with Skills England to keep SMEs front and centre of its work by implementing FSB’s further recommendations.
Still in the news
If you're interested in doing business in the East Midlands, we've got a varied lineup of events for small business owners, self-employed people and SME supporters:
- 16 October - Bakewell In-Person Networking
- 17.00-18.30. Aldern House, Baslow Road, Bakewell.
- Join us for networking with local businesses with snacks and drinks provided. Book here.
- 25 October - Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Virtual Networking
- βββββββ10.00-11.00. Online
- Join us for online networking with businesses based in Derbyshire ad Nottinghamshire. Book here.
- 01 November - Derby In-person Networking
- βββββββ08.00-10.00. The Community Room, Central Co-op Food & Insomnia Café. 471-473 Burton Rd, Littleover.
- Join us for in-person networking with businesses in and around the Derby area. Book here.
- 20 November - Bakewell In-Person Networking
- βββββββ17.00-18.30. Aldern House, Baslow Road, Bakewell.
- Join us for networking with local businesses with snacks and drinks provided. Book here.
- 20 November - East Midlands Networking by FSB and HSBC
- βββββββDonington Court, Pegasus Business Park, Herald Way, Castle Donington, East Midlands, DE74 2BU.
- Make new introductions, connect with new contacts and meet old friends at our networking with HSBC. Book here.
- 06 December - Derby In-person Networking
- βββββββ08.00-10.00. The Community Room, Central Co-op Food & Insomnia Café. 471-473 Burton Rd, Littleover.
- Join us for in-person networking with businesses in and around the Derby area. Book here.
- 12 December - Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Local Skills Improvement Plan Quarterly Workshop
- βββββββ9.30-12.30. Chesterfield College, Infirmary Rd, Chesterfield, S41 7NG
- Join us for the chance to network and let us know what skills are needed by your business, both now and in the future. Lunch provided. Booking link here.
There are a range of events across the Midlands region that are open to all, members and non-members alike. Search our FSB Events pages for more details.
FSB High Streets Report
The Federation of Small Businesses’ new report on High Streets has been getting a lot of attention since it was released in August. We’ve been involved in several regional TV and radio news reports on the issue over the last month and the issues raised continue to provoke discussion.
The report calls for:
- More support and innovative thinking to help improve life for small firms on UK high streets
- Support for pop-ups, well-maintained and accessible toilets, and community-specific online marketplaces amongst recommendations
- Report reveals a range of statistics painting a picture of life on the high street, from business rates and parking to vacant units and transport.
If you’re interested in the future of our high streets and haven’t yet read the report, you can do so here.
More news and activity near you
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire is James Illsley. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.
- email us: [email protected]
- follow us on x: @FSBNottsDerbys
- follow us on Facebook: @FSB.Nottinghamshire.Derbyshire