Surrey & West Sussex. Your Development Manager: or call

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1 Surrey & West Sussex Your Development Manager: or call May/June 2016 APPRENTICESHIPS CELEBRATED The Novium Museum in Chichester was the venue for an apprenticeship VIP employers drinks reception prior to an Apprentice Graduation Ceremony held during National Apprenticeship Week. The event was attended by the Olympic-style torch as part of the week s celebrations and the Pass the Torch campaign representing pass the knowledge which was touring the UK. Up to 150 employers attended the reception as well as the Apprentice Ambassador Network and graduating apprentices. After the drinks reception all the employers and apprentices, together with their families, made their way to Chichester Cathedral for the full graduation ceremony. The Pass the Torch campaign saw 160 pledges made by local employers to take on apprentices and young people on traineeships. At midway, during the ceremony, we were entertained by the choir of Northbrook College with some amazing upbeat songs. Following the graduation ceremony proper and a million photographs a huge celebration took place for everyone in the Duke and Rye opposite, dating back to the 1600 s. This amazing and inaugural event was made possible by FSB in West Sussex working closely with West Sussex County Council. Thank you to West Sussex Policy Chairman Ann Swain for great help and support. BUSINESS OWNERS ASK QUESTIONS The historic Guildford Guildhall was the chosen venue for our annual Question Time, chaired by well-known political journalist Julia Hartley-Brewer and a panel including local MP Anne Milton. To keep the panel balanced, knowing that airport expansion would make hot debate, senior representatives from both Gatwick and Heathrow airports joined the MP as well as Kevin Hurley, Surrey s Police and Crime Commissioner. Representing FSB was local businessman and Regional Chairman, Antonio Falco. With cyber crime on the REGIONAL NEWS 2, 11, 14 dramatic increase and, in particular, cyber ransom, Kevin Hurley explained that not only is this fast becoming a county problem but a national one. He advised that regardless of the size of business, prevention is better than cure and it is worth investing in the best protection systems. Always back up. The airport expansion debate took on a new dimension with the audience suggesting that while expansion is vital to our future economy why not invest in both airports. On the EU Referendum, BUSINESS UPDATE 3-10 REGIONAL CONTACTS 14 the audience was equally divided between in, out and undecided. The latter included Anne Milton. This was possibly a case for further and better information, said our Chairman, Julia. TO ADVERTISE CALL

2 CHAIRMAN S NOTES This year I was invited to the second FSB National Policy Conference in London. One of the key speakers was The Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon George Osborne. After his speech he took questions from the audience and I was lucky to be picked. Unexpectedly, my question and the points I made to him hit the national headlines and, before I knew what the fuss was about, it was in print. Later that evening, I attended the Visa Business Awards organised by FSB and I had the chance to meet and speak with several politicians from all sides. Above, I am pictured with Shadow Business Minister for Small Business, Bill Esterson MP. Both these opportunities highlight what this organisation is about. A strong member-led body able to influence where it matters, bringing the case for small business where it counts. I will continue to do my best to ensure you are best represented and I thank you for your support. Regards, Antonio Falco SHADOW CHANCELLOR PRAISES FSB LOBBYING A Budget for FSB members, said John McDonnell MP Shadow Chancellor speaking in Glasgow at our National Conference. He went on to congratulate us on our effective lobbying and campaigning, This statement was followed by a sales pitch. If anyone in this auditorium is not a member I tell you, not encourage you, JOIN NOW. Our Regional Chairman, Antonio Falco, said: In a Budget constrained by both the need to reduce the deficit and the economic outlook, The Chancellor has listened to our calls for the tax system to be made simpler for small businesses and the self-employed and taken important action on business rates. In particular, FSB members have campaigned hard to make Small Business Rates Relief permanent, and expand it, and the Chancellor has heeded our calls, taking many small firms out of the system altogether. The combined measures announced on business rates, the single biggest tax cut in the Budget, will be viewed by members as a welcome and important step on the road to fundamental reform. In addition, online retailers will benefit from steps to secure a level playing field for smaller online businesses on VAT. Freezing fuel duty will be universally welcomed by small businesses right across the country. Furthermore, the new devolution deals, alongside increased investment in roads, rail, and flood defences, should give a much needed boost to the UK s infrastructure. Altogether, these measures should help to drive productivity and boost small business confidence levels, which have JOHN MCDONNELL MP WITH ANTONIO FALCO faltered recently in the face of a number of domestic policy and global economic challenges. The top five concerns remain the strength of the domestic economy, weak consumer demand, a shortage of skilled staff, increases to the cost of labour and the burden and complexity of the tax system. Despite the overall negative picture painted by our recent research, there are also several positive findings. Access to finance has been a key priority for FSB and, with a record percentage of smaller businesses successfully accessing credit in the past quarter, it appears progress is being made. Antonio said The on-going improvements to small business finance demonstrates how a sustained and focused approach to supporting smaller firms can pay off. We want to see a similar focus and long-term drive to simplify the tax system, building on positive announcements in the Budget and the work of the Office for tax simplification. By doing this, we can boost small business confidence and support long-term, sustainable growth. EDITORIAL: This publication is produced by and published for the Federation of Small Businesses, Sir Frank Whittle Way, Blackpool Business Park Blackpool, Lancs, FY4 2FE. Copyright 1996 Federation of Small Businesses all rights reserved. Editor: James Connor. Tel: james.connor@fsb.org.uk. Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this publication errors or omissions are not the responsibility of the Federation of Small Businesses and opinions expressed are those of the authors and are not necessarily the policy of the Federation. PAGE 2 DAVID GOLD BACKS OUR NEW BRAND Members were fortunate to have secured the busy Surrey entrepreneur and Premier League football club Chairman, David Gold, to be their after-dinner speaker at The Nutfield Priory Hotel. What a wonderful way to start the New Year. Not only was it the start of a new year for FSB members, but the start of a completely new brand for FSB as they hold the banner in front of them with David Gold in the centre (pictured left). David s address commenced with members applauding his daughter Jacqueline s CBE Award. A wonderful achievement. He went on to say that a determination to succeed is required by small business owners and that sometimes luck helps us on the way. David s address was followed by rapturous applause and, never in a rush to leave, David took time to be photographed with every member. Amazing how mobile phone cameras have transformed an event into a really memorable event.

3 BACK ROW - SPENCER COPPING, GARETH EVANS, STEVE SAUNDERS (BOLD IMAGE), KEITH ANDERSON, JAMES UDALL, BRIAN WOODS, CARINE SELDON, FRONT ROW STUART PREECE, SUE FIELD WE DIDN T EXPECT THIS... Surrey Hills East Branch members WS Planning & Architecture were thrilled to receive the Gold Award, sponsored by Surrey County Council, for best website at the 2016 Surrey Digital Awards. The event, held at the H G Wells Conference & Event Centre in Woking, was a great success and proved to be an unforgettable evening for all involved with the winning company. Prior to announcing the final award of the evening, the Best Website Awards judges said: The winner of our flagship award must demonstrate the highest standards in design, content, user experience and accessibility and this entry delivered on all fronts with aplomb. A great advertisement for a forwardthinking FSB member company. On collecting the award from Mrs Linda Kemeny, County Councillor for Woking South West, Brian Woods, Managing Director of WS Planning & Architecture, and FSB Regional Vice-Chairman, confirmed how thrilled he was to accept this prestigious award on behalf of the company. WS Planning & Architecture are indebted to their Web Designer and Brand Manager, Steve Saunders, of Reigate based, Bold Image, for creating our award-winning website and the WS Team put in a great deal of hard work to create the content. They would also like to thank the ongoing support of their Preferred Partners and, more importantly, their clients for sharing their amazing projects with them. Congratulations to all the finalists for producing such amazing digital work. We were delighted to be nominated in two categories and to walk away with the top award is a fantastic achievement. We look forward to learning from all of the great work on display at the awards ceremony and continuing to build on this success with new content that will improve our digital media throughout 2016 and beyond. A final thank you to the Surrey Digital Awards Team for putting together a fun, informative and unforgettable awards ceremony and for their important work in raising the profile of all the great digital work taking place across the county. WORTHING EXPO It was an early start for our Membership Advisor as he had to set up our stand at the annual Worthing Expo. Around 400 visitors were expected and Alan was all set to sign up new members across the board. Joined by members of the Worthing & District Branch, and flanked by a magician, it did prove to be a very successful day including two new companies joining using Alan s MOJO and a hatful of excellent prospects. SPOTLIGHT ON OUR CROYDON & DISTRICT BRANCH This year the Greater London Region Awards team decided to host their launch in the London Borough of Croydon, a thriving town of regeneration as well as a thriving branch of activity. Their monthly breakfast attracts more than 30 delegates. The launch was attended by several VIP s including the Mayor of Croydon, London Assembly Member for Croydon and Sutton, Steve O Connell, who also chaired People s Question Time with Mayor of London, Boris Johnson MP, the following week and several councillors. A total of 90 local business owners attended keeping our Membership Advisor busy. Looking forward, the annual big breakfast for 110 delegates will take place this year on Wednesday 18 May and, knowing this Branch, the newly elected Mayor of London will be present as their keynote speaker. Look out for details. PAGE 11

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5 PAGE 2 parks. EDITORIAL: This publication is produced by and published for the Federation of Small Businesses, Sir Frank Whittle Way, Blackpool Business Park Blackpool, Lancs, FY4 2FE. Copyright 1996 Federation of Small Businesses all rights reserved. Editor: James Connor. Tel: james.connor@fsb.org.uk. Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this publication errors or omissions are not the responsibility of the Federation of Small Businesses and opinions expressed are those of the authors and are not necessarily the policy of the Federation. businesses. necessary. these matters. areas. 80 members met at the WWF Living Planet Centre in Woking for this year s annual policy conference. Stuart Shorttle, Surrey Policy Chair hosted the event and Antonio Falco, FSB Regional Chairman proudly introduced local MP Jonathan Lord to open the 3 hour conference. Jonathan remarked that he couldn t remember a time when small businesses are as highly regarded by the Government John Walker, Surrey member and past National Chairman has been appointed to the EU s Economic & Social Committee (EESC) as one of eight employer representatives from UK. The position, which is for five years, was a recommendation DELEGATES AT CONFERENCE by the UK Government to the Council of Ministers and was formally approved in September. The EESC is a statutory consultee in Brussels and provides opinions on legislative proposals from the European Parliament in such areas as the Single Market, Transport and the Environment. The UK has 24 representatives process making council contracts more easily on the EESC, from employers, available to micro businesses. They praised employees and civil society the FSB for the tireless work over the past 2 with Mr Walker joining years in helping by giving member feedback representatives from the other and approving procurement documents. 27 EU Member States. Surrey County and the FSB working in John said Although this is a partnership for the benefit of Surrey small personal appointment, without and micro businesses. Not such a friendly my FSB service as National reception for the next presentation from BT. Chairman and Policy Chairman, It would seem that in spite of 90% of the I doubt I would have been County enjoying superfast broadband with considered. I am very much looking forward to this new role 5% Discount for members TH E PRINT & POST: FOR FSB MEMBERS Print & post for less than the cost of a stamp 1 trial credit on sign up - try it for free! Minimum quantity = 1 SECURE SERVICE GUARANTEED SIGN UP TODAY: /702 - DOCMAILSALES@CFH.COM West Surrey & Sussex Your Development Manager: ray.abrahams@fsb.org.uk or call January/February 2016 OUR CHAIRMAN S ANNUAL REPORT COMBINED WITH QUESTION TIME 140 regional members caused security congestion at Portcullis House, Westminster and delayed Jamie Oliver giving evidence to a select committee on health in their attempts to reach the Attlee Suite for the Regional Chairman s annual report. The start was delayed, but everyone settled and Antonio Falco reported that more than 50 business events were conducted throughout the region with five very high profile events attracting more than 100 delegates at each. During the year we had meetings with all but six of our Regional MP s and Antonio showed a photographic show to remind us of a very successful member year. The report was immediately followed by Question Time with the panel made up from the business world. Banking, Gatwick Airport, insurance and Tim Loughton MP for East Worthing and Shoreham as well as a continuous stream of visiting MP s to the Attlee Suite to greet their constituents. It all made for a small business packed afternoon. Leader of Surrey County Council, David Hodge had plenty to say from his seat in the audience when discussing the Governments minimum living wage proposal although not one person in the ANTONIO FALCO WITH ROSEMARY FRENCH OBE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GATWICK DIAMOND MINISTER MEETS OUR TREASURER Rt Hon Anna Soubry Minister of Croydon branch chairman as a State (Minister for Small Business, guest of local MP Gavin Barwell. Industry and Enterprise) for Following the official opening the Department for Business, the Minister chaired a roundtable Innovation and Skills was discussion on business matters introduced to Ann Swain, Regional attended by both Ann and Bryan. Treasurer and West Sussex Policy Permitted development rights Chairman was introduced to came up as issue in Crawley the Minister at the opening of and Croydon. Anna Soubry said the Sussex Innovation Centre in she was hearing this a lot from Croydon. businesses in London and would A small VIP list of attendees take it up with other government were invited which also included ministers. Echoed by Gavin Bryan Treherne newly elected Barwell MP. FSB MEMBERS BEFORE DINNER AT ARUNDEL CASTLE WALKABOUT FOR POLITICIANS ON SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY As in previous years branches took MP s walkabout on 5th December but earlier in 2015 the Region came up with a super small business Saturday idea. Let s encourage local Councils to provide free car parking on the day to encourage shoppers to the local high streets. If approved Small Business Saturday and Keep Trade Local would be working hand in glove. More than half the borough and district councils agreed and we would like to thank Mole Valley, Epsom & Ewell, Tandridge, Reigate and Banstead, Waverley and Elmbridge Councils for generously agreeing not only to small business Saturday free parking but in some cases specific dates in December when footfall is notoriously low. Special thanks as well to the Chief Executives for allowing the erection of FSB Thank You placards in participating car room would deny employees a fair wage collateral! it does impose a huge burden on small And finally, a show of hands favoured business owners still recovering from a a second runway at Gatwick almost poor economy. unanimously but everyone at this event The Royal Bank of Scotland came under including panellists were undecided on attack from fellow panellist Mark Williams, the EU in or out question. insurance underwriter when trying to Antonio Falco, FSB Regional Chairman convince the audience that they want to concluded we will continue to remind lend money for business growth as Mark the Government of our asks in our small pointed out it was only on their guarantee business manifesto written and published terms which included using houses as prior to the General Election ANNA SOUBRY MP (LEFT) WITH ANN SWAIN REGIONAL NEWS 2, 11, 14 BUSINESS UPDATE 3-10 REGIONAL CONTACTS 14 TO ADVERTISE CALL MP: SUPERFAST INTERNET ESSENTIAL FOR BUSINESS Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert without superfast broadband this growth has said that superfast broadband is now would be severely hampered. essential infrastructure for business and Mr Herbert said that his broadband must be extended to rural areas. summit in 2011 had led to West Sussex Nick was speaking to an audience of County Council s Better Connected 65 of our members at a dinner held at programme which, with local and Arundel Castle on Friday 18th September. Government funding, aims to give access He warned that a growing digital divide to more than 90 per cent of premises in meant that cities, towns and large villages the County by Spring next year. were getting superfast broadband, but In May the County Council announced rural areas were losing out. Superfast that they had passed the halfway point, broadband was no longer a luxury but with more than 36,000 homes and was now an absolute necessity for businesses upgraded, equivalent to just over half of all premises. The Government Growing demand and new services is committed to support the delivery of meant that ever faster speeds were superfast broadband to 95 per cent of all UK households by the end of Already there was talk of extending Ministers reiterated their commitment in ultrafast broadband across the country, August with the publication of a 10-point with speeds of 100Mbps, yet some rural plan for boosting productivity in rural areas in West Sussex could barely get broadband at all. But Mr Herbert pointed out that the 5 The MP said that small businesses were or 10 per cent of households that would the engine of economic and employment not have access to superfast broadband growth, and there was a widely shared under these plans would inevitably be aim to encourage rural enterprises. But in rural areas. The MP said that new BUSINESS RATE REFORM Following careful Regional Vice-Chairman, by means of turnover was research of our Region s Brian Woods an expert in a definite no no. membership we finally Findings from this put together interested You can imagine meeting were fed parties who had to that many and varied in to our Press and say something about suggestions to reform Parliamentary Office but business rate reform and the current method should you wish to find 45 members attended of calculation were out more please an event chaired by mentioned but calculation ray.abrahams@fsb.org.uk SURREY COUNTY POLICY CONFERENCE IS A SUCCESS To advertise call Lee McLoughlin on or lee.mcloughlin@redactive.co.uk FSB SURREY MEMBER IS APPOINTED TO EU COMMITTEE Regional Voice offers you the opportunity to advertise your products and services geographically to the FSB membership FSB members receive 20% off all rate card prices Mulberry Bush Consulting Maximizing Business Capability through your People Is managing your team taking up too much time and energy? 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Gets your staff productive fast, using a consistent induction process. Motivates your team to achieve goals that ensure company success. Uses continual feedback to effectively manage performance. Call or nikki@mulberrybushconsulting.co.uk for a free initial consultation. Go to to get our free white-paper Five Powerful Ways to Build, Develop and Maintain an Effective Team. PAGE 13

6 CELEBRATING NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK... WELL DONE CENTRAL SUSSEX FREYA WARD, SOUTH EAST NAS APPRENTICE AWARDS FINALIST WITH KEVIN BYRNE FSB MEMBER AND FOUNDER AND CEO OF CHECKATRADE. PASS TORCH SYMBOLISING PASS KNOWLEDGE GRADUATION CHOIR FROM NORTHBROOK COLLEGE WERE OUTSTANDING! GRADUATES ARRIVE AT CHICHESTER CADRAL IN A PROCESSION ENJOYING OURSELVES IN MEDIA ROOM REGIONAL CONTACTS REGIONAL CHAIRMAN Antonio Falco antonio@antoniofalco.com VICE CHAIRMAN Brian Woods brian@wspa.co.uk REGIONAL SECRETARY Geoff Williamson it@ituk.biz REGIONAL TREASURER Ann Swain ann@horsham.co.uk NATIONAL COUNCILLOR Antonio Falco antonio@antoniofalco.com DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Ray Abrahams ray.abrahams@fsb.org.uk BRANCH CONTACTS ARUN & DISTRICT Ann Swain ann@horsham.co.uk CRAWLEY, HORSHAM & MID SUSSEX Ann Swain ann@horsham.co.uk CROYDON & DISTRICT Bryan Treherne Bryan.treherne@gmail.com FARNHAM & NE HANTS Nigel Harte nigel@stonetigerltd.com GUILDFORD & DISTRICT Michael Tune michael.tune@fsb.org.uk NORTH SURREY Sue Towner sue@jackson-scott.co.uk SURREY HILLS EAST Mike Gregory info@avocadoaudiovisual.co.uk WOKING & DISTRICT Vidya Mishra vidya@intertecdatasolutions.com WORTHING & DISTRICT Peter Scott peter.scott@fsb.org.uk PAGE 14