FSB: Spotlight on small business at party conference

Thousands of politicians and delegates from the three main political parties will be implored to Keep Trade Local by the Federation of Small Businesses, (FSB), as the party conference season kicks off next week.

The Keep Trade Local campaign, aimed at preserving town centres and high streets across the UK, will be the central theme of FSB sponsored events at the Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative conferences, while FSB officials will also address other meetings on subjects including the economy, regulation and training.

Politicians and delegates will have the opportunity to sign the Keep Trade Local petition at the Lib Dem conference in Bournemouth during an FSB meeting with Party President Simon Hughes as guest speaker.

The petition and information about the campaign will also be available at FSB receptions during the Labour Party Conference in Manchester and the Conservative conference in Birmingham, attended by senior politicians.

The FSB is also participating in well over 10 events including panel participation in fringe meetings organised by other think tanks and pressure groups.

FSB National Chairman John Wright said:

“The Keep Trade Local campaign is really gaining momentum and the conference season is an ideal opportunity to garner political support and get small business issues onto the political agenda.

“Small businesses are the life-blood of the UK economy and they need to be heard consistently and constantly.

“We are delighted with the raft of events and receptions put in place to promote Keep Trade Local to thousands of delegates at all the three major party political conferences.”

Notes to Editors

1. The FSB is Britain’s biggest business organisation with over 215,000 members. It exists to protect and promote the interests of the self-employed, and all those who run their own business. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk.

2. For information, updates and to view the Keep Trade Local manifesto visit the website at www.fsb.org.uk/keeptradelocal. The FSB has also set up a Keep Trade Local Petition on the Number 10 website at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/keeptradelocal/

3. The FSB is hosting a Campaigners Guide to Keeping Local at the Liberal Democrat Party Conference in Bournemouth in Marquee Two of the Westcliffe Brasserie on Monday 15 September at 13:00. Simon Hughes MP will be a guest speaker alongside FSB Policy Chairman John Walker and FSB National Chairman John Wright.

A small business reception hosted by the FSB will be held in the Dods Marquee at the Labour Party Conference in Manchester on Monday 22 September at 22:00.

The FSB will be holding a similar reception at the Conservative Party Conference on Monday 29 September at 21:30 in the International Conference Centre.

Contacts:
Stephen Alambritis: 020 7592 8112 / 07788 422155
Prue Watson 020 7592 8121 / 07825 125695
Marc Shoffman 020 7592 8113 / 07595 067068

For regional FSB contacts please go to www.fsb.org.uk/regions