South West Business Finance is a broker of credit and not a lender . South West Business Finance is a trading name of Aspire Commercial Finance Limited Registered in England & Wales under No : 09076273 . Aspire Commercial Finance Limited is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ( 690089 ) also a member of the NACFB ( 06 / 0035 / CM ) funding solutions for your business and property needs
PEOPLE
WILTSHIRE BUSINESSWOMAN JOINS THE NEW SMALL BUSINESS COUNCIL
Debbie Williams , Co-founder of John Williams Heating Services based in Chippenham , has been named as one of the members of the new government-led Small Business Council .
The Small Business Council aims to listen to the voice of the SME sector . At its first meeting – which took place this week – the council looked at finance and removing barriers to growth . The group brings together firms from a wide range of sectors including food & drink , trades , manufacturing and beauty .
Debbie said , “ I ’ m very humbled to be invited to be part of this initiative and I hope to be able to make clear the needs of small businesses at the highest level , reminding decisionmakers how vital we are to every community in the UK as well as the national economy .”
Chaired by Small Business Minister , Kevin Hollinrake , the Council will work alongside the PM ’ s Business Council to tackle key issues facing small firms who will be given new levels of access direct to government .
Almost every business in the country is a small business ( 99.9 %) who in turn supports 27 million jobs across the UK , accounting for £ 4.5 trillion of annual turnover . Almost every billion-pound company , tech giant or multinational
INSPIRING WOMEN IN FINANCE
corporation started off as small business , which is why this Council has been formed , to help support and nurture the next generation of small firms to thrive and grow .
The Council also includes small business organisations such as Small Business Britain , the Federation of Small Businesses and Family Business UK .
Small Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said , “ Small firms are at the heart of our communities and the engine of our economy – which is why the work of this council is so important . My own experience of working in a small business has given me crucial insights to the problems that SMEs face on a daily basis , from barriers to growth or access to finance .
“ We ’ re giving small firms a big voice , so they can directly air their concerns to government without delay – only when we work together can we tackle some of the burning issues SMEs are facing – only then can we help boost jobs and grow the economy .”
FSB Policy Chair Tina McKenzie said , “ This new council is important because it will bring what ’ s happening at the front
South West Business Finance ( SWBF ) is fully committed to supporting women in business - particularly in the world of finance .
line of British business , from our 5.5 million small business owners , right into the heart of Government .
“ Alongside No . 10 ’ s existing corporate Business Council , the new body will shine a light on the unique challenges small firms face on areas such as finance , regulation and skills . FSB is pleased to join it , and we hope to focus on how to reignite economic growth across our community .”
In recent weeks , the Government has made a series of announcements aimed at supporting small business owners . The Lilac Review was jointly unveiled with Small Business Britain – as a major new independent review determined to tackle and overcome the inequality faced by disabled business owners .
Additionally , the Help to Grow campaign website has been relaunched and refreshed , as a one-stop shop for SMEs to find the information they need to grow and scale up . This includes helping small firms to clearly identify what funding they can access , helpful webinars as well as the basics of how to set up a business for the first time .
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In 2022 , they signed up to the Women in Finance Charter which is a commitment by HM Treasury and signatory firms to work together to build a more balanced and fair industry . As we celebrate Swindon & Wiltshire ’ s most inspiring women , we hear from the women at SWBF on what is important to them and how the flexibility at SWBF has helped them .
Tania : “ SWBF is a friendly team with a no-blame culture , and it is a pleasure to be in the office . I work two days in the office and two days at home and having the support of the management team is amazing .”
Rachael : “ SWBF have been hugely supportive in my role , helping me expand my knowledge and being open to further my education whilst giving me the flexibility I need for my family .”
Zoe : “ Working with SWBF has allowed me to have a flexible work / life balance to enjoy time with my family and friends .”
Debbie : “ We have such a great team of people here at SWBF and it ’ s great that I can manage my own time in a way that I can meet all of my commitments both business and personal .”
Natalie : “ I love that I am able to work flexibly and continue my career in finance around the needs of my family .”
Nicki : “ I feel a good work life balance is paramount to being productive and positive both professionally and personally and SWBF supports me to achieve this .”
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South West Business Finance is a broker of credit and not a lender . South West Business Finance is a trading name of Aspire Commercial Finance Limited Registered in England & Wales under No : 09076273 . Aspire Commercial Finance Limited is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ( 690089 ) also a member of the NACFB ( 06 / 0035 / CM ) funding solutions for your business and property needs
01225 800849 www . swbf . co . uk
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