FSB

A new report from the FSB shines a spotlight on the ongoing difficulties that small business exporters are facing from the Covid-19 pandemic and the UK’s exit from the EU.

The report, Ready to Launch, is calling on the Department for International Trade (DIT) to use its upcoming Export Strategy to supercharge the recovery by targeting support at small and micro businesses at a time when they need it most.

• DIT should reform and replace the

Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) with a new initiative modelled on the Canadian

CanExport programme, providing more funding for more trade activities.

• Export support, including the advice of International Trade Advisors, should be targeted at the smallest business community, who lack the resources of medium and large firms.

• 80% of small firms left in the dark about the real benefits of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) – more must be done to promote the benefits of trade deals and ensure they are useable by small businesses. Since the end of the transition period, around 25% of small exporters have either temporarily or entirely stopped exporting to the EU, with a further 21% making similar considerations.

Which is why new support to these firms is vital to getting small and micro businesses to return to or start their exporting journeys.

Commenting on the findings of the report, FSB national chair, Mike Cherry, said: “Small exporters have had a difficult time due to the pandemic, ongoing supply chain issues, as well as adapting to the complications associated with the end of the transition period.

“This has left many facing rising costs, unsure of the future of their small firms and debating the best way to grow and nurture their businesses.

“Our report has highlighted some key areas which we hope DIT can act upon to positively help small firms who are either looking to begin their exporting journey, or to help current exporters to thrive.”

Feel lonely running a business at times? Well, there is no need for that with FSB by your side, together we are stronger. FSB membership means inclusive support, market-leading benefits and a voice heard in Government at all levels. If you are self-employed or own a small business, membership is built from the ground up to help you achieve your ambitions. protection, business banking and PR/crisis management as well as access to local and national networking, support, lobbying, information and signposting.

We are a not-for-profit organisation, led by active, experienced business people and professional staff. We exist to serve the small business community across the UK.

Starting at just £147 in the first year plus a £30 joining fee (*see offer) we pride ourselves in supporting smaller businesses like yours.

You can join online at www.fsb.org.uk/join but if you want to meet with or speak to someone to discuss more about how we can help you call our Customer Services Department 0808 20 20 888 or email customerservices@fsb.org.uk

The FSB’s south west regional team staged a highly-successful online conference in September entitled ‘What is Net Zero and why is it important to my SME business?’.

The event, chaired by FSB Cornwall volunteer area lead net zero champion, Edward Chapman, formally kickstarted the local campaign to encourage south west SMEs to become better informed and motivated by the whole sustainability agenda. Ann Vandermeulen, FSB Cornwall’s development manager, said: “Conference feedback confirmed that it is a big ask whilst everyone seems to be so up against it. With financial, staffing, logistical headaches mixed with a good deal of uncertainty, many businesses struggle to look up from the day job to review habits and operational practice. “It’s another thing to do, too daunting or perhaps those greener choices aren’t even so obvious in such a pressured environment. We know that the key to this is easy to access information around simple changes and key benefits to the business. Saving the planet is a big enough reason but let’s be honest, after a world pandemic, businesses need to recoup their own resources and build back with purpose, so we want to shine a light on practical solutions that work for both planet and business.” As part of FSB’s ongoing commitment to the subject, the FSB also hosts a helpful website hub to help SMEs on their journey called the FSB Sustainability Hub.

Did you know that FSB members get access to all of these specific tailored benefits: tax investigation protection, legal protection scheme, employment protection, health and safety advice, legal hub, personal care resources, insurance service, first voice (B2B), payments, funding platform, cash advance, debt recovery, workplace pensions, cyber

If you want to join FSB after reading this page then please quote BCM30 when you join and save £30!