Gloucestershire firms represented by the FSB’s ‘Region of theYear’
Small businesses in Gloucestershire have the best organisation in the country lobbying for them. The Federation of Small Businesses has chosen its South West region as the most effective branch at lobbying and for member engagement and named it as ‘Region of the Year.’ The FSB’s South West region stretches from Tewkesbury in the north of Gloucestershire down to Penzance in the tip of Cornwall, and is one of 11 regions across the country. FSB National Chairman Mike Cherry presented the award to the regional team, who represent nearly 24,000 small business owners and entrepreneurs, at the FSB Members Volunteer Conference in London. Mr Cherry said: “It’s only through dedicated FSB volunteers at the UK’s grassroots, like the South West team, that the small business voice can be
harnessed and heard as we step into an exciting – yet challenging – new decade. “My personal thank you to the SouthWest team and to all the volunteers who do so much.” The FSB in the South West recently elected a new chairman, Bristol-based Lee Nathan, and he collected the award on the night, alongside outgoing chairman Roger Tarrant, from Cornwall, who now sits on the FSB’s National Council. Mr Nathan said: “I am delighted that the FSB South West has managed to win the prestigious FSB Region of the Year title, in recognition of the great work our team of volunteers and staff do on behalf of our members. “All across the SouthWest, we see examples of the passion and enthusiasm our team has to support, involve and represent our members and the small business community as a whole. This award will really encourage everyone to keep on fighting for the voice of SMEs to be heard.” The South West team emerged as winners in recognition of their policy work in areas such as the environment, education and skills, plus their successful council ‘Small Business Friendly’ awards. Their work with MPs and other stakeholders and their extensive range of events including very successful FSB Connect networking meetings also drew high praise l
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4 | February 2020 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
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