.jpg)
A NORTHERN based organisation has launched an initiative aimed at gathering feedback from small businesses across the region going into 2023.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), which represents thousands of small businesses, has commissioned a new pan-Northern piece of ‘Levelling-Up’ research, which aims to drill down to expose all potential barriers holding back small businesses.
While the FSB regularly publishes reports on a range of important issues impacting the small business community across the UK, this new research will look exclusively at the Northern Powerhouse region as it seeks to point and to understand what regional economies ‘up north’ need to get firing on all cylinders.
Given the significant changes to the economic conditions and business climate in recent years, FSB’s northern team wants better to understand how the pandemic and the cost of living crisis has changed the business scene here, and is asking business owners to complete a short survey as part of the research.
FSB’s Policy Representative for Greater Manchester, Paul Wareham, said: “Recent FSB data has highlighted small business confidence and sentiment is at an all-time low, with businesses across the North faring below the national average. That’s a real concern and we need to know why.
“Small businesses are the drivers of innovation, creativity, and productivity; they are the backbone of our economy not only for their economic contribution, but as pillars in their communities and employers of over 16 million people across the UK.”
Mr Wareham adds: “Now more than ever it is crucial to ensure policy and decision-makers understand the challenges businesses in the North are facing and act to address the same. With challenges continuing to compound and negatively impact our business community, it’ll help to know what the real barriers are to business so we can lobby for change. What is needed to make the North of England the best place to start and grow a business?
“FSB continues to advocate for small businesses and lobby to ensure they are given the tools and resources they need to start, grow and thrive – but in order to do so with maximum effect, we need business owners to input their views. This research is an opportunity for business owners to tell us what is important to them."
The federation will also be carrying out a roundtable event in Greater Manchester and Cheshire in the new year to drill deeper in to the survey data. If you would like to be involved e-mail robert.downes@fsb.org.uk
As a small business owner or a sole trader, use this as a perfect opportunity to let business leaders know what obstacles and difficulties you face, by following this link: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/EntrepreneurialNorth