Maxine Aldred Better Business for All

Federation of Small Businesses The UK’s leading Business Organisation around 200,000 members

Federation of Small Businesses The FSB is non-profit making and non-party political The Federation of Small Businesses is the UK's largest campaigning pressure group Proud of our independence – no Government funding Lobbying - pressure on MPs, Government and Whitehall and puts the FSB viewpoint over to the media. Member Led. Development Managers work alongside members in our regions to further FSB influence at a regional level. Lobbying and Campaigning

Federation of Small Businesses 24 hr Legal Advice Line Legal Protection Package FSB Business Banking FSB Card Payment Processing FSB Finance for Business FSB Insurance Services FSB Pension FSB Independent Financial Services FSB Telecom Services FSB Medical FSB Vehicle Package FSB Print and Mail Membership Benefits Networking events Campaigning and Policy

Federation of Small Businesses There are over 5.2 million businesses in the UK Over 99% of firms employ less than 49 people 59% of the workforce (13.7 million) in the SME sector 50% of the UK GDP comes from the SME sector Over 500,000 people set up their own business each year (2014 saw the largest number of start ups) 3.3 million businesses are sole proprietors

Federation of Small Businesses Growth aspirations of small businesses are strong and continue to grow 65.3% plan to grow over the next year 31.9% of firms plan to increase investment in capital in the next 12 months Small firms seeing rapidly rising year-on-year productivity Net balance of profit and revenue growth continue to rise FSB Survey – Q But regulation continues to be one of the barriers to growth

Federation of Small Businesses Which THREE of the following actions would most help you comply with regulation? Exemptions from certain regulations42% Easier access to advice and information38% Fewer recording and reporting requirements on regulations35% Guidance on regulation well in advance of it becoming law33% One-to-one support on how to best comply with regulation24% More consistency between inspectors and regulators16% A longer time period to prepare for a regulation before it becomes law13% Fewer inspections5% Other 6% None of these/ Not applicable17%

Federation of Small Businesses New Government language

Federation of Small Businesses North West Leicestershire District Council BRDO LLEP BBfA – the Leicester and Leicestershire Journey

Federation of Small Businesses Cycle of business Issues affecting small businesses Want to be compliant Motivation – Level Playing Field – Cost Savings BBfA – We need your help

Federation of Small Businesses BBfA going forward  Feedback from BBfA Supporting Business Growth  Working with LLEP – Growth Sectors  Business Gateway  Work Programme  Ongoing training  Focus group meeting with Lord Curry

Federation of Small Businesses Resources Working smarter Eyes and ears BBfA

Federation of Small Businesses Thank you Any Questions?