FSB’s volunteer elections have seen David Sudworth chosen to join the business group as an Area Leader, one of two representing small businesses in the GM area.
David runs chimney sweep business Mr Soot, which has offices in Wigan and employs four people and operates across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and parts of Merseyside, said: “I’m buzzing to have been picked for this key role within FSB’s Greater Manchester team. My aim now is to ensure the voice of small businesses across our city region is heard loud and clear.
“I’m particularly keen to represent the blue-collar workers and the trades who I think are often underrepresented in discussions around what’s best for business, what’s not working, and what needs reform. We only have to look at the recent debacle around the Clean Air Zone here in GM to see how the trades, which would have been disproportionately impacted by the scheme, only came together with one voice at the 11th hour. Inclusivity is about everyone feeling represented.
He added: “2023 is going to be a really challenging year for the small business community. The cost of doing business crisis remains a massive challenge, we have lingering supply chain issues, urgent need of tax reform especially around business rates and VAT thresholds, and unfortunately in the Clean Air Zone here in GM keeps coming back like a bad penny. As the organisation that fought tooth and nail against the original plans, FSB will again lead the charge if charging is put back on the table, especially if the data suggests otherwise.”
“I know in Greater Manchester FSB is also doing some really good work around public sector procurement and how local authorities can make it easier for small firms to win public sector contracts from their local council, and I’m really keen to be more involved in that project. There’s certainly no shortage of business issues to keep me busy, and I am looking forward to meeting the wider FSB team.”
David has been an FSB member for six years, and joined the organisation after starting his business in 2016 as a one-man band. He’s grown the business to four staff and has plans for another two later this year.
