News: Joint budget call from Sheffield city region

Business leaders in the Sheffield city region have written to Chancellor Philip Hammond to set out their expectations of what should be included in next week's Budget.

In an unprecedented move, the heads of the city region, the Company of Cutlers, the Federation of Small Businesses, the Institute of Directors, and the Chambers of Commerce have written jointly to the Chancellor.

They want to see pledges on issues that are key to the local economy such as HS2, funding, housing initiatives, innovation, major road and rail improvements, and skills training which will radically improve the life chances of the region's young people.

They say that strong support from Government "gives our businesses confidence to grow and attracts inward investment for the benefit of Sheffield city region, the North and the UK economy. We hope that you use the Budget to support investment in Sheffield City Region and unlock our ambition to be a £55bn economy by 2040."

The region has recently published a draft of a strategy focused on inclusive growth.

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A 12-point list of areas where the Budget can address has been submitted:

On transport:
- Commitment to HS2 connectivity in Sheffield, a parkway station in the city region, and a "loop" back from the Sheffield spur onto the new HS2 line North
- Recognition of the important role that Doncaster Sheffield Airport could play with a proposed rail station at the airport to make journey times to London 80 minutes
- The extension of the Smart motorway between M1 junctions 34 and 39 to support significant growth around this corridor which includes the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District
- Commitment to the upgrading of the A1 between M18 and M62, an area of significant congestion and delays
- Commitment to a Southern Pennines Corridor connection from Sheffield to Manchester, Manchester Airport, Liverpool and the West Coast Corridor to resolve the constraints and congestion on trans-Pennine road and rail routes

On funding:
- Commitment to long-term financial support for economic development from 2021, particularly important as local growth funding (LGF) and EU funds (ESIF) are due to end
- Confirmed continued investment in the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub which is already working with more than 4,700 local businesses to help them achieve their growth ambitions
- Confirmation of the success of the city region's bid to the Housing Infrastructure Fund so that 20,200 homes can be built for local residents
- An innovation fund which will help companies to develop technologies, build on assets such as the region's Advanced Manufacturing Park, and create global supply chain opportunities

On skills:
- An increase in funding from £3.6m to £5m to continue growing the highly successful Skills Bank which is already helping more than 5,500 employees in the region
- Progress on the city region's bid for capital investment for an Institute of Technology and Digitalisation
- Funding for a long-standing proposal for a University Technical College in Doncaster to create a pipeline of skilled workers for the region's rail, engineering, construction and manufacturing sectors whilst also improving life chances and social mobility for c.2,500 of the region's young people over the next ten years.

And the leaders add: "Never has it been more important that the Budget delivers for parts of Britain that have the potential to grow further and help deliver a more productive, prosperous and inclusive economy.

"Over the last three years our 68,000 businesses have created 37,000 jobs locally and nearly 6,000 new businesses have started up. We are proud of these achievements, but now is the time for Government to help us in the next stage of our growth by delivering on its promise to invest in the North."

Sheffield city region website

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News: Dearne Valley Business Centre open day

New start and growing enterprises are being invited to the Dearne Valley Business Centre next week where a number of local organisations will be on hand to highlight the business support available in the area.

The former Wesleyan Reform Church on Coronation Road in Wath was sold by trustees and has opened as Dearne Valley Business Centre under the brand of "My Head Office" earlier this year.

Ten office "pods" ranging in size have been created in the 7,000 sq ft building, which has undergone a redesign and restoration to offer unique space complete with high ceilings, parquet floors and large windows. Suitable for one, two or three people, the units are aimed at growing small businesses from the local area that are taking the next step, moving out of the home office or up the premises ladder.

The open day on November 7 will showcase the centre and will bring together organisations that have supported the development including Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, The Federation of Small Businesses, RiDO, the SCR Launchpad, Novus Marketing Solutions and Unimax Solutions.

Two sessions will operate during the day from 11.00am – 1.00pm and 4.00 – 6.00pm and four "zones" will operate to offer help and guidance to visitors. The zones will focus on: growing your customer base; start up support; finance and insurance; internet and CRM.

Places for the open day can be reserved here for the morning and here for the afternoon.

Julia and Stephen Hollings, the pair that has created the Dearne Valley Business Centre were recently delighted and proud to be presented with an award in the category of "Product" by Legacy Education Alliance, the world's most successful property training company.

The award was presented at a glamourous event held at The Savoy Hotel in London with 300 other guests. Hosted by Roger Black and Steve Backley, the evening was attended by Robbie Fowler and Martin Roberts from TV's Homes Under the Hammer.

The judges were very impressed with the concept of the business centre that offers coaching and support to its tenant's successful transition from their home office to "Head Office."

The Dearne Valley Business Centre is the first business centre under the brand and has been well received by all who have been round it. Julia and Stephen commented that the award was in recognition of all the demanding work put into the building converting a church to a business centre. They praised all the local craftsmen and suppliers who made everything possible.

My Head Office website

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News: Spend Small Business Saturday in Rotherham

This Saturday, December 3, is Small Business Saturday and a number of events are taking place in Rotherham town centre where you can shop local.

Launching in the UK in 2013, Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-political, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to support them in their communities, both on the Saturday and beyond.

The concept is based on the initiative that already exists in America. In the US, Small Business Saturday takes place on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving celebrations, one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Conceived and promoted by American Express, Small Business Saturday complements "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday" which focus largely on big box and online retailers.

Michelle Ovens MBE, director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: "Last year, small business owners, local authorities, a wide range of other organisations and members of the public embraced Small Business Saturday more than ever before.

"The British public has a great affection for small businesses and tapping into that continues to be important. The small businesses themselves really make the campaign as they effectively deliver it on the ground and collectively show the depth and breadth that exists within the sector.

"This year we aim to reach more people, get more engagement, and encourage more people to support small businesses. We will be talking a lot about community because whether they are selling to consumers online or in a particular location or B2B businesses working together and doing business together, our small businesses are a community that benefits both our local and national economies."

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In Rotherham town centre, celebrate by shopping local and visit staff (elves) in All Saints' Square between 10am and 2pm to take advantage of the free Christmas gift wrapping stall, plus you can pick up a copy of the town centre gift guide.

Also in All Saints' Square, the Festive Wonderland event includes free Christmas crafts with expert help from Dawn at High Street's Craft Corner, free face painting, mischievous elves, storytelling, festive photo boards, bronco reindeer as well as Father Christmas in his grotto.

The Old Market Gallery, now at Keppel Wharf, is hosting a Christmas Market from 10am to 3pm with crafts and artworks by local artists for sale, as well as free arts activities, acoustic music, poetry and festive drumming throughout the day.

Rotherham Council has unwrapped the parking offer that sees car parking made free on Saturdays (as well as every Sunday as normal), including Small Business Saturday, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Free parking is available as usual at weekends on Forge Island as well as for up to two hours for free on weekdays in the "red zone."

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) research shows that for every £1 spent with a small or medium-size business, 63p is re-spent in the local area. This is compared to 40p in every £1 spent with a chain or larger business.

Mike Cherry, National Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: "As we approach Christmas, now is the time for all of us to go out and celebrate our local businesses.

"Small firms make a big difference to their community and the life of the nation, with many going above and beyond to help their small business neighbours and local start-ups. FSB backs the campaign at branch, region, nation and UK level as a way to say a simple 'thank you' to small business owners in every corner of the country.

"We hope even more people will turn out this year, to value the diversity and vibrancy of the UK small business community. This is a good moment to check out what small local businesses offer the whole year round. Whether you're shopping, buying services or products, choosing where to go for a meal, or building a website - hard working, innovative small businesses in the UK are the first place you should look."

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News: Spend Small Business Saturday in Rotherham

This Saturday, December 5 is Small Business Saturday.

Launching in the UK in 2013, Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-political, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to support them in their communities, both on the Saturday and beyond.

The concept is based on the initiative that already exists in America. In the US, Small Business Saturday takes place on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving celebrations, one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Conceived and promoted by American Express, Small Business Saturday complements "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday" which focus largely on big box and online retailers.

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As part of Small Business Saturday, the award winning RiDO business advisors, Bob Langley and Martyn Benson, are holding a drop-in session – 9.30 to 3.30 – at 34 High Street in Rotherham town centre. The session is for people considering starting a business or existing local small businesses.

At the same time, local legal firm, Malcolm C Foy Solicitors is holding a free legal drop-in, aimed at the same people, at their office on Bridgegate. They will have multi-lingual staff in attendance. The expert advice should help with business structures, commercial agreements and leases, policies, regulations, employment law and intellectual property.

For existing town centre businesses there will also be a gift wrapping service on offer to Christmas shoppers by the RiDO team in Howard Street, next to Superdrug.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) research shows that spending with local businesses gives an extra boost to local economies compared to spending with their larger counterparts. For every £1 spent by a local authority with a small or medium-sized business, 63p is then spent elsewhere in the local area, backing jobs and growth - compared to just 40p in every £1 spent with a larger business. This emphasises the enormous benefit of keeping trade local, and hopefully encourages more people to start looking at ways of supporting the diverse and innovative small businesses in their community.

The FSB is the UK's largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms, representing around 200,000 small businesses.

Gordon Millward, regional chairman for the FSB, said: "Last year 16.5 million people turned out to support a local small business on Small Business Saturday, generating an impressive £504m for small firms in just one day. This year, we are again encouraging everyone to back small firms throughout the economy, not just in retail, to make the day bigger and better than ever. With 5.4 million small businesses in the UK, there has never been a better time to celebrate their contribution to their communities."

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News: FSB on Northern Powerhouse

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is calling for greater efforts to rebalance the economy away from London and the South East to ensure the vision of a prosperous Northern Powerhouse becomes a reality.

The FSB is the UK's largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms, representing around 200,000 small businesses.

A series of policy events are being organised by the FSB in the North of England to find out what Northern businesses need to grow and increase productivity - steps which are key to boosting the region’s economic potential.

The group has a number of key recommendations to deliver a strong Northern Powerhouse including improved transport infrastructure, increased broadband speeds, improved access to finance, supporting vocational qualifications and improving the engagement between Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and their small business communities.

Lord O'Neill, commercial secretary to the Treasury, whose portfolio includes driving forward plans on the Northern Powerhouse, said: "Building the Northern Powerhouse is vital to the Government's plans to rebalance the economy and end the decades-old gap between the north and south. Businesses are at the heart of this work and that's why we're investing in infrastructure, science and skills across the north as well as devolving powers to local leaders.

"Small businesses are the lifeblood of the northern economy and I am very pleased the FSB is taking such a proactive role in making sure they are at the heart of the debate."

Gordon Millward, regional chairman for the FSB, added: "The North/South divide has long been a stumbling block for the UK economy, and so we strongly welcome the Government's focus on building a Northern Powerhouse.

"Realising this vision will require increased investment and infrastructure spending in the North of England to boost regional growth, nurture a thriving business sector and get much needed transport connection improvements back on track.

"Greater Manchester gained a cascade of devolved powers in the Queen's Speech this year, when these begin Greater Manchester will be the test bed for regional devolution. If successful, this could be the blueprint for the rest of England.

"We look forward to working closely with local leaders and businesses in Greater Manchester and across the North of England to build a Northern Powerhouse that has the potential to generate lasting economic returns for the North."

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News: Businesses waging war against crime

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has committed itself to restoring Rotherham's reputation.

The FSB is the UK's largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms, representing around 200,000 small businesses.

Having seen the borough in the national news for the wrong reasons, the South Yorkshire branch of the FSB has "committed itself to restoring the town's reputation as a great place to do business and one which plays a vital role at the strategic heart of the dynamic Sheffield City Region."

Gordon Millward, regional chairman of the FSB, said: "The FSB is 100% committed to restoring the commercial reputation of the Rotherham business community. Things have been said describing a Rotherham which, frankly, we don't recognise. After 150 years of industrial tradition we cannot allow the town's legacy to be determined by the nefarious activities of a small minority of criminals.

"A week ago Rotherham re-cemented its place in the vanguard of international business relations when the New York Stadium hosted over 100 entrepreneurs – many of whom were new to the UK – in presenting the important Anglo-Polish National Business Conference. The FSB is proud to be planning more future events in Rotherham in a similar vein, starting on June 16 when we will meet the present challenges head-on with our "Businesses waging war against crime" event.

"We will be working with South Yorkshire Police and Rotherham MBC on a project to help tackle the most pressing issue of crime in South Yorkshire. We are looking to secure the support of local businesses in the battle to reduce crime and its impact on the local economy. As we move forward, we must ensure that local businesses are united in the battle to eradicate crime and repel the stigma once and for all."

The Businesses waging war against crime event will take place at 6pm on June 16 at Rotherham Town Hall. Sergeant Katherine Wallis will be outlining a joint project with the FSB to tackle child sexual exploitation. An awareness package and a code of conduct has been put together for small businesses. This will be available to businesses at the event. Police Community Support Officer Jemma Guinn of the Rotherham Safer Neighbourhood Team will present the Rotherham Business Crime portal: an internet based system which allows businesses in Rotherham to access secure information on the activities of those convicted of committing criminal offences, in order to reduce crime and anti social behaviour.

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News: Anglo-Polish business conference in Rotherham

Rotherham is to play host to a national event next week that brings together British and Polish entrepreneurs.

According to research by The Centre for Entrepreneurs, of all nationalities who have set up businesses in the UK, Poles rank number six. More than 21,000 Poles have set up nearly 22,000 companies in the UK, while another 65,000 Poles are self-employed.

The event on May 20 is taking place at Rotherham United's AESSEAL New York Stadium and is being hosted by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), in association with the Trade and Investment Promotion Section at Embassy of the Republic of Poland in London. It has been developed by Rotherham-based entrepreneur, Marek Niedzwiedz.

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The free to attend event will cover topics such as the important role played by Poles in UK, business support in Rotherham, business and cultural differences between Polish and English plus opportunities for networking and introductions.

Gordon Millward, Regional Chairman of the FSB, said: "The FSB finds itself once more in the vanguard of developing international business relations when we present this important National Conference, and we are delighted that it is taking place in Rotherham.

"With the theme of "Linking British and Polish SMEs," this event aims to assist the integration of the dynamic, enterprising Polish business community within the resurgent UK economy and open up the potential for innovative inter-trading opportunities.

"We would encourage as many local businesses as possible to come and meet with their Polish counterparts, many of whom are new to the business world and new to the UK. This is a prime opportunity to demonstrate to the emerging UK Polish business community that Rotherham is a great place to do business."

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is the UK's largest business organisation representing around 200,000 small businesses.

Anglo-Polish business conference website
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News: Budget representations made

Business groups and membership organisations have put forward representations on what they'd like to see in today's Budget.

HM Treasury welcomes representations as part of the policy-making process and interest groups, individuals or representative bodies submit them with the aim of commenting on government policy and suggesting new policy ideas for inclusion in the Budget or Autumn Statement.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is urging the government to back long-term business investment, by introducing a permanent Annual Investment Allowance of £500,000.

Britain's manufacturers are pressing the Chancellor to use the last Budget of this Parliament to focus on measures which will continue to have a measurable impact on sustaining and underpinning support for economic growth.

Among a series of measures, The Engineering Employers' Federation (EEF), the UK trade organisation dedicated to the future of manufacturing, is calling for the compensation package for energy intensive industries to be brought forward to offset the crippling cost of energy which is a competitive threat and is undermining industries such as steel-making in the UK. The Department for Business has indicated that approval for such a measure under state aid rules from Brussels could come as early as September.

In last year's Budget, the government accepted the need to compensate energy intensive industries and announced plans to extend the compensation for the cost of the Carbon Price Floor (CPF) (a carbon tax) and EU emissions trading system to 2019-20. It is also set to introduce a new compensation scheme, to help energy intensive industries with higher electricity costs resulting from the renewables obligation and small-scale feed in tariffs for renewable generation, from 2016-17.

The EEF, which has offices in Rotherham, is also seeking support from the Chancellor for a scheme that puts employers in the driving seat in the training and funding of apprenticeships and calling for an extension of the Annual Investment Allowance as part of a wider review of capital allowances, together with measures to encourage more companies, especially SMEs, to make use of research and development tax credits.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the UK's largest business organisation representing around 200,000 small businesses, has called on the Chancellor to focus on delivering further supply side reforms, building on initiatives already underway.

The FSB highlighted taking forward tax simplification measures, improved broadband delivery and increased transparency and accountability for LEPs, as well as prioritising the opening up of Government procurement by fast tracking the delivery of the Lord Young reforms so that businesses see the benefits.

The issues of business rates is continually raised with the Government announced further details this week of "the most-wide ranging review of national business rates in a generation."

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News: Prompt payment to support SMEs

There is little evidence that the government's commitment to pay 80% of undisputed invoices within five working days is having the intended effect of helping the UK's five million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), according to a report by the National Audit Office (NAO).

Central government spends £40 billion a year on goods and services, of which about £4.5 billion is spent directly on purchases from SMEs. A recent NAO report finds that, while UK businesses welcome the government's commitment to pay invoices more quickly than the 30 days required by law, there is a risk that the policy boosts the working capital of main contractors rather than benefiting other businesses down the supply chain.

The NAO looked in detail at four departments (the Ministry of Defence, Home Office, Department for Business, Innovation & Skills and Cabinet Office) and found their reported performance is skewed in their favour by a high volume of low-value electronic transactions with a few large suppliers.

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As part of the study, the NAO has generated its own estimates, indicating that government suppliers could benefit from reduced interest costs of up to £88m a year as a result of government paying invoices in five working days rather than 30 calendar days. The policy also increases government's working capital requirement, and the NAO estimates this generates a cost to the taxpayer of £55 million a year in increased interest costs on government debt.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the UK's largest business organisation representing around 200,000 small businesses, believes that the private sector should learn from the Government on prompt payment.

Gordon Millward, regional chairman of the FSB, said: "Many in the private sector still have a lot to learn about paying bills in good time, and the Government has the opportunity to help teach them.

"This new report demonstrates the need to tighten up prompt payment practices right across the economy. Central Government has raised its game and is recognising the absolute priority of paying its suppliers on time, making it a requirement to pay within 30 days. It now needs to use this record to improve the wider payment culture, both in the rest of the public sector and in the private sector.

"It's a scandal that thousands of businesses have gone under because of late payment, with numerous others struggling with their cashflow because of poor payment practices.

"To improve the payment culture, the FSB believes that being a signatory to the prompt payment code must become a prerequisite for supplying the Government. To encourage further a change in culture, Government Departments must also get better at making sure the benefits of their own prompt payment practices are passed all the way down the supply chain and don't stop with the primary suppliers."

NAO website
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News: Business organisations prepare for Autumn Statement

Business organisations have submitted their calls on the Government for what they would like to see in the upcoming Autumn Statement.

To be given to MPs by the The Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osbourne on December 3, the Autumn Statement is an update on the government's taxation and spending plans.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the UK's largest business organisation representing around 200,000 small businesses, has called on the Chancellor to continue supporting business confidence by reforming business rates, taking forward tax simplification, and investing in infrastructure to strengthen and rebalance the economic recovery.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) focuses on new measures to accelerate the progress of infrastructure projects that are critical to businesses, both locally and nationally, urging the Government to enhance the compensation and incentives available to those affected by nearby infrastructure projects such as rail and housing, and commit funding to repair deteriorating roads over the next five years.

The Engineering Employers' Federation (EEF), the UK trade organisation dedicated to the future of manufacturing, is calling for a massive boost to infrastructure and innovation to build on the strong economic recovery and, lay foundations for longer-term economic growth. It wants to see funding for the Catapult network increased and the Energy Intensive Industry (EII) compensation scheme announced at Budget 2014, implemented as soon as possible.

Gordon Millward, regional chairman of the FSB, said: "Businesses want an Autumn Statement that delivers stability and certainty, and provides them with incentives to grow and create employment.

"That means investing in our infrastructure to match the world’s best, whether that be broadband, road, rail or air. Regional connectivity, particularly between our great cities in the North, must be improved if the region is to reach its full potential and challenge the economic prowess of London. We encourage the Chancellor to progress plans to set out how that vision might be fulfilled. Likewise, we would like to see sights set far higher on broadband connectivity to power the UK's digital economy.

"On taxes, businesses will be looking for measures to ease the cost of business rates, and a commitment to fundamental reform of the current, outdated system. To support business growth and reduce costs, further efforts to simplify our complex tax system should also form a central part of the Statement.

"The FSB has also long called for simplified and sharpened business support to match businesses' growth ambitions. Unfortunately current schemes have not had the impact they should have, which is why the FSB has called for reforms. We are pleased the Government has reviewed the current offer this year, with a view to making it easier to access. We now look forward to seeing what progress has been made."

FSB website
EEF website

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News: South Yorkshire broadband project isn't up to speed

A £20m project to bring 95% superfast broadband coverage in South Yorkshire by 2017 is unlikely to meet the future demands of business, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

As partners in South Yorkshire progress plans to meet government targets for accessing superfast broadband, the FSB is raising the issue that businesses should be at the front and centre of future rollout plans, so that they can enjoy the benefits too.

The FSB, the UK's largest business organisation representing around 200,000 small businesses, estimates that 45,000 firms still on dial up, and many more struggling with speeds lower than 2 Megabits per second (Mbps).

The FSB's latest report highlights the importance of broadband to business, calling it the "4th Utility." It found that 94% of small firms view a reliable internet connection as critical to the success of their business and that the Government targets of 24Mbps for 95 per cent of the population and 2Mbps for the remaining five per cent will not meet the future demands of UK businesses.

Instead calls are being made for the Government, in cooperation with industry, to commit to delivering minimum speeds of 10 Mbps for all business premises in the UK by 2018–19, regardless of location. This compares with the current target of delivering 2Mpbs for the hardest to reach five per cent by 2017. Alongside this, the Government should set a medium to long-term objective of providing minimum speeds of 100 Mbps to all premises by 2030.

John Allan, national chairman of the FSB, said: "While progress has been made with the residential market, businesses have not enjoyed the same benefits, which is holding back their growth. We therefore want to see the UK Government show ambition with its broadband targets and put business needs at their centre. Leaving five per cent of the population with a 2Mbps connection in 2017 is not good enough.

"As this report shows, too many of our small firms are held back by the current state of the broadband market in the UK. We want Government to oversee the creation of world-beating digital infrastructure that will enable businesses to grow, innovate and compete in international markets. This means not only raising download speeds but also upload speeds that are so important and where provision is especially inadequate.  Otherwise firms' growth ambitions will be blunted, while Government efforts to get every firm to go "digital by default" when filing its taxes online will be impossible to achieve."

Rothbiz revealed last week that progress is being made on a £20m project to deliver fibre broadband to areas in South Yorkshire where it is acknowledged that the market is unlikely to deliver Superfast broadband and will likely remain so until 2017.

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News: Spotlight moves to B&Q

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is putting local trade first and foremost as its popular free networking event moves to a new venue in Rotherham.

The FSB is the UK's largest business organisation representing around 200,000 small businesses. Recognising the importance of networking in developing relationships and future business, the South & East Yorkshire branch regularly hosts "Business in the Spotlight" events which have grown with each successive event since its inception five years ago. An average businesses attendance of over 80 delegates was being maintained throughout 2103.

Now the the event begins at a new home, B&Q Tradepoint at the Cortonwood Retail Park, on March 19, 5pm - 7pm.

A spokesperson for FSB in South & East Yorkshire, said: "The event is open to member and non-member organisations, presenting a great opportunity to get together with other organisations, network, buy, sell, and seek out joint trading collaborations.

"The "Business in the Spotlight" concept is supremely simple: there are no star guests, no keynote addresses, no after-dinner speeches, just you and a hundred other organisations doing what you do best - spreading the word about your respective companies as you meet, mix and mingle."

The latest FSB Small Business Index shows an increasing number of businesses want to create jobs in the next three months. This marks the third consecutive quarter of job creation in small firms and provides yet more signs that confidence is returning and that momentum behind economic growth is being maintained.

The survey of almost 3,000 businesses shows 15 per cent wish to take on more people in the coming quarter and 11 per cent have increased staff in the previous three months. It also showed that almost two thirds of small firms in the survey expect to grow in the next 12 months, and one in four plan to increase the amount they invest in their business. 25 per cent of firms expect to see an increase in export activity in the coming three months and 10 per cent report growth since Q4 2013.

Business in the Spotlight Event website
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News: Prime Minister puts small businesses front and centre

In the year of its 40th anniversary and at its inaugural policy conference in London, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the UK's largest business organisation representing around 200,000 small businesses, welcomed the Prime Minister to address one of its national events.

The FSB's Conference focused on setting the agenda on enterprise, skills and growth with the FSB saying that the time is right for small firms to seize opportunities and the moment to create a successful and vibrant Britain.

Mike Cherry, national policy chairman of the FSB, said: "Small firms are the backbone of the economy. We need to ensure the issues small and micro businesses face remain front and centre stage in policymakers' minds, not only up to the General Election, but beyond. 

"No longer should supporting small firms be a ‘nice to have' that comes as an afterthought to policymaking. Just as much as our world-class large businesses are vital for prosperity, small firms too are the lifeblood of our economic well-being and need a similar level of focus. We must hardwire the vital role they play in the economy into our thinking. The Government must focus on how they can support these businesses in job creation and growth while the UK's large businesses need to play their part too in supporting ambitious small businesses, for example through paying their smaller suppliers promptly."

At the event, David Cameron set out how the success of small businesses is central to the government's long term economic plan. He pledged his commitment to continue to make it easier for small businesses to thrive outlining policies such as business rate relief, growth vouchers, employment allowance and the reduction in business red tape.

Prime Minister, David Cameron, said: "The future of Britain's economy depends on Britain's small businesses - on those with the courage to strike out and start their own thing, who work all hours to succeed, who through love, sweat and tears make their business grow. We need you to keep on creating good private sector jobs, so that more people can earn a living for their families and have financial security for the future." 

The FSB has raised how business support is congested and confusing with research showing hundreds of support schemes to help small firms, yet with little take-up or effect.

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News: Small Business Saturday helps to Keep Trade Local

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) took the opportunity to press home the importance of keeping trade local during the first "Small Business Saturday" in Rotherham town centre.

Small Business Saturday is a grass-roots campaign that encourages people to shop local and support small businesses in their communities, both on the Saturday and beyond.

It links to the Keep Trade Local campaign from the FSB, the UK's leading business organisation with around 200,000 members, that involves encouraging people using all of the independent businesses on the high street, and celebrate the uniqueness and flavour that they bring to their communities.

In association with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, a "pop-up" shop was opened on College Street,where shoppers could join the Council's Shop Local loyalty discount scheme whilst getting their gifts wrapped free of charge. The FSB took the opportunity to press home the message that many small businesses exist on the brink, and unless consumers make use of their local independent traders, many businesses will be lost for good. Small retailers bring local colour and variety to what might otherwise become "cloned" high streets.

John Healey, MP for Wentworth and Dearne, said: "There are over four million small businesses in the UK, more than 99 per cent of the total number of businesses. They employ 12 million people – more than half of the private sector workforce - and their collective turnover is £500 billion, or 50 per cent of the UK's GDP.

"I hope Small Business Saturday helped remind people of the value of our local small businesses, so they can continue to thrive and grow and create jobs in our area."

Andrew Flower, the FSB's South Yorkshire Branch Chairman, added: "We have worked consistently over many years to get our Keep Trade Local message across and it appears that local councils, MPs and the major UK corporations have begun to understand the dire predicament of many of our small businesses, particularly in retail.

"Small Business Saturday drove home the tough "use them or lose them" message, and we hope that consumers are now much more conscious of the plight of small traders and are more ready to do their shopping at one of the UK's treasure of small retailers."

Rotherham town centre website
FSB website

Images: FSB

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