The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 47: Feb/March 2020 | Page 7

BUSINESS NEWS Let’s get back to the business of small business The latest news from The Federation of Small Businesses The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is Britain’s biggest business representation group and is made up of thousands of small business owners. Started in 1974 to give small businesses a clear lobbying voice, we work both nationally and locally to champion small businesses. When the FSB decided to put together a manifesto for the recent General Election, we decided to call it ‘Back to Business’ because that is what we want all our politicians to do now after years of Parliamentary pandemonium which has clearly dented that vital factor for SMEs – confidence. Whatever our members think about the actual election result, or what will now happen after Brexit, there is a strong feeling that it’s now time to remember that it is our small businesses that generate the jobs, the wealth and the economic momentum in our area. Things got off to a hopeful start at the Queen’s Speech where it was announced that there would be further targeted business rates help for our small shops, restaurants and cinemas. We know completely transforming business rates is not an easy job, but steps like this are a great start. Our High Street is having an unprecedented period of challenge and we hope this will open the door to more progressive ideas going forward. We were also pleased to see the Government’s renewed commitment to increasing broadband investment. As you will know, Wiltshire is a very patchy area for broadband and mobile coverage. The vast majority of businesses need to get online as a key part of their day-to-day work and it damages them and the economy if that service is poor. Of course any good news about the two ‘b’s of business rates and broadband can only be fully realised if we also ensure a positive result in the biggest ‘b’ of all – Brexit. There are still a lot of businesses uncertain about how they will be affected in the months and years to come so now organisations like ours have a key role to play in supporting them going forward. So, there’s a clearly lot on the business plate for 2020 and we can all just hope our politicians in this area can work together with us as we now try to get ‘Back to Business’. If you want to know more about the FSB please visit: www.fsb.org.uk or contact local Development Manager Ruth Lambert at [email protected]. Ruth Lambert, FSB Local Development Manager @fsbSomAndWilts ADVERTISING FEATURE JELF INSURANCE BROKERS EVOLVE TO MARSH COMMERCIAL At Jelf Insurance Brokers, we’ve recently evolved to become Marsh Commercial. The change enhances our access to a wider range of services and solutions, offered by our parent company Marsh & McLennan, for UK businesses. Marsh Commercial serves clients across the UK. Priding ourselves on our local knowledge and dedication to support businesses of all sizes. We will work with you to understand your circumstances, the risks you face, and identify the most suitable solution to meet your individual needs. Should the unforeseen occur, we’ll support you every step of the way, to get your business back up and running. And as a thought leader, we’ll keep you up to date on the latest trends affecting your business, so you’re better prepared for any eventuality. For more information about Marsh Commercial please contact Ian Sharpe, Senior Account Executive by email: [email protected] or call on 01793 714431. Ian Sharpe, Senior Account Executive Marsh Commercial is a trading name of Jelf Insurance Brokers Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Not all products and services offered are regulated by the FCA (for details see marshcommercial. co.uk/info/terms/). Registered in England and Wales number 0837227. Registered Office: 1 Tower Place West, London EC3R 5BU. FP20.021 For more info: www.marshcommercial.co.uk THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2020 7