Campaigning and Policy Activity
The start of January has been a busy few weeks for FSB in Wales.
π We kicked off the month by launching our latest report, Manufacturing Momentum, which explores the challenges and opportunities facing the sector in Wales, from the perspective of small manufacturing firms.
The research highlights the reduction of small firms operating successfully within the sector and generates recommendations for national and local governments to reverse this trend.
π The Wales Policy Unit also met to discuss key policy developments in Wales and outline small business priorities to be collated and shared with candidates for the Welsh Labour Leadership election, which will decide the next First Minister of Wales. As a representative of small firms, it’s important to us that any leadership candidates are thinking about the economy and the value small businesses bring to local communities.
π Following this important session, FSB hosted Shadow Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens MP at a small business roundtable. This provided attendees with the chance to discuss the landscape facing small firms in Wales. Looking ahead to next month, FSB will be hosting another small business roundtable with Senedd Member Jane Dodds, in Brecon. If you are a local small business in Brecon, and would be interested in coming along, please email [email protected]
π Meanwhile, the Local Government Finance (Wales) Bill was introduced into the Senedd in November and will deliver most of the proposals for the reform of non-domestic rates (NDR), set out by Welsh Government Finance Minister Rebecca Evans. The Local Government and Housing Committee held an evidence session on the suggested reform and invited FSB to share the small business perspective. You can watch the evidence session, here.
π Finally, FSB welcomed Felix Millbank to the role of Deputy Head of Policy to the FSB Wales office this month. Felix joins us with a wealth of experience working within the political environment in Wales and will be a real asset to the team.
If you’d be interested in joining the FSB team and for the current list of vacancies, including for the role of Head of Public Affairs (Wales), please click here.
FSB Celebrating Small Businesses Awards
North Wales Update: Mike Learmond
January is often regarded as a somewhat miserable month, so it was delightful to start the year off with the launch of FSB’s Celebrating Small Businesses Awards.
Continuing on the celebratory theme, it was a pleasure to attend RCS Wales celebration event in the 1891 Restaurant in Rhyl. RCS delivers personalised support, training and therapies to help people and businesses across Wales improve their wellbeing for work. A previous FSB award winner and not-for-profit company, they pride themselves on delivering quality services that transform thousands of lives every year. I have been involved with RCS from the very start and have watched the service grow over the years, so it was brilliant to join them on the day.
Looking forward, we are reinstating our in-person monthly networking events from February 2024. These will alternate between Cambria Business School in Northop and Busnes@LlandrilloMenai, Ffordd Penlan, Parc Menai, Bangor. Don’t worry, our popular fortnightly virtual networking sessions will still continue on Thursdays. Please check our Events pages for further information. Bookings are also currently open for our annual March for Business Dinner in Faenol Fawr Country House & Manor Hotel in Bodelwyddan on 6th March. This is a great chance to meet and network with fellow business owners and business support professionals. Please book early! Look out also for lots of business events in Denbighshire during March for Business month.
FSB has also joined with Hashtag Events to promote business shows in the Region. The first of these will be in Wrexham on 12th March, followed by Conwy in July. The exhibitions are free to attend and if you wish to have a stand, FSB members are entitled to a £50.00 discount.
Here’s hoping for a successful and prosperous February trading period!
South & Mid Wales Update: Rob Basini
January has seen a great start to the year from a networking perspective, with both of our two Wales Virtual Networking sessions being really well attended, along with a sold out South East Wales Business Networking event gaining great feedback from those in attendance.
Businesses attending the South East Wales event found the opportunity to meet others in their area really valuable, and everyone agreed that our guest speakers at the event, Tom Lloyd and Mike Jordan of Toward, were excellent. Mike and Tom’s session, focussing on the key fundamental steps to finding your position in the market place, covered some essential points that all businesses need to consider.
To end the month for events it was also good, as always, to facilitate the networking element of the Pembrokeshire Business Drop In Support session.
It was also a pleasure to host a roundtable for small businesses to meet with Jo Stevens MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, providing an opportunity for businesses to share their experiences, challenges and opportunities.
Looking ahead, events wise, we've been really pleased to have been able to confirm a number of in person events across the area over the coming months and we are really looking forward to attending the Aberystwyth 'Talking Business Conference' on 28 February.
We are delighted to be hosting FSB business networking events in Merthyr Tydfil on March 1, in Welshpool on March 13, in Swansea on March 22 and returning to Cardiff with our bi-monthly networking on March 28. For more information on all of these events, and to book your place, please visit the Events Calendar page on our website.
Upcoming Events
We continue to get really positive feedback on all of our FSB Wales events so please come and join us and connect with other businesses throughout Wales and the rest of the UK. All events are open to members and non-members, book your place now and feel free to bring along a colleague too.
FSB North Wales Business Breakfast, Wednesday 7 February, 9.30am – 11am
Our in-person networking in North Wales is making a comeback with regular monthly North Wales Business Breakfast events. This monthly networking meet-up offers a prime opportunity to forge meaningful business connections, in a professional environment. Come and network, collaborate, promote your services and support each other. Open to all, both FSB members and non-members.
Wales Virtual Networking, Thursday 8 February, 1pm – 2pm
Embrace the virtual networking scene with us at our Wales Virtual Networking sessions, the perfect dynamic and engaging setting to grow and diversify your business connections. Held fortnightly on a Thursday afternoon, this is your chance to expand your network, share valuable insights and collaborate with our diverse virtual community of business professionals from Wales and across the UK. The event is open to all and FREE to attend.
Wales Virtual Networking, Thursday 22 February, 1pm – 2pm
Join us for the second time this month at our fortnightly Wales Virtual Networking sessions. Join us from the comfort of your own home or office and connect with fellow business owners, share best practices alongside collaborating and supporting each other within our dynamic online community. The event is open to all and FREE to attend.
Pembrokeshire Drop-In Business Support, Friday 23 February, 9am – 12pm
Pembrokeshire County Council and the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone Board’s Business Interaction Group, a range of business support organisations and professionals will be available at the monthly drop in session at Bridge Innovation Centre, Pembroke Dock. FSB Wales will be facilitating a group networking session from 10.30am – 11.30am at this event. You won’t want to miss it!
South Wales Business Networking, Friday 1 March, 9 – 11.30am
Join us this St David’s Day and embrace the vibrant spirt of Wales’s national day by expanding your professional network by meeting business owners and manager from other wonderful Welsh businesses. Guest speaker Ian Benbow, from CASE-UK, will be talking about ‘Your Road To Wellbeing’, covering key points to help attendees stay happy and healthy in business, as well as highlighting some of the support available. All are welcome, FSB members and non-members and refreshments and a breakfast roll will be served at this event.
North Wales March For Business, Wednesday 6 March, 6-10pm
“March For Business” is a series of events within Denbighshire that support and promote the business community in the county. The annual dinner is a key event of the month so come and join us for a pre-dinner drinks reception, a delicious three course meal and plenty of networking opportunities and practical support for businesses. Secure your spot now!
What You May Have Missed - Wales News Updates
- Grants & Funds Available In North Wales - Summary
- CyberVersed PodCast – Featuring Mike Learmond
- Member Monday Wales – Venkiah HR Consulting
- Top Tips For Networking
- Apprenticeships In Wales
- Gwaith Gwynedd 2024 Job Fairs - Update
- Hashtag Events – Wrexham Business Show
- Cadwyn Clwyd Flintshire & Denbighshire Grants
Meet The Team - Wales
If you need any further information about any of the events or information here, your South Wales contacts are:
- Mike Learmond, Senior Development Manager
- Rob Basini, Development Manager
- Shona Holmes-Berry, Operational Support Co-ordinator
Don't forget to follow us on social media too for all the latest updates:
