Obama’s business advisor to hear Thames Valley Business concerns
THE voice of the Thames Valley business sector will be heard at a major conference in London next Monday, January 27, when Senior Cabinet Ministers, a former advisor on small business issues to American President Obama, Karen Mills, and leading entrepreneurs, will come together at the Federation of Small Businesses’ (FSB) first Policy Conference.
Former advisor on small business issues to President Obama, Karen Mills
The event will shape not only the future of small businesses in the Thames Valley but across the UK, helping to influence the agenda for enterprise, growth and educational skills. The FSB, as a leading voice of business, has said that it believes small firms will form a vital part of the economic and political debate in 2014 and beyond.
Recent FSB research has shown that confidence is on the rise among Thames Valley small businesses, with many looking to grow in 2014, and the Federation believes that for this growth to be achieved and small firms to fulfill their role in the economy,” hurdles such as access to finance, burdensome regulation, and the gap between skills and employability must be overcome.”
In the US, the Small Business Administration, formerly headed by Karen Mills, spearheaded efforts to remove barriers to growth for small firms and acted as a powerful voice in the heart of government on behalf of those businesses. Discussions on the day will be framed by the question of whether a similar institution could work in the UK, with David Knowles Leak, Regional Chair, presenting the concerns and issues of Thames Valley businesses.
The FSB will be streaming the conference live to a global audience. Register at www.fsb-policy-conference.co.uk to join the debate and on Twitter by following and using #FSBGrowth and #FSBSkills
David Knowles Leak himself said: “The role of small firms has never been more important, and we are proud to have been invited to an event where we can voice the issues that our members are concerned about. We need to make sure businesses can access finance and the support they need to grow, and that they have confidence the education system will deliver school leavers with the skills they need in business. Whilst we already work with our MP, local councils and schools, this event is an exciting opportunity for senior cabinet members, smart and influential economists and dynamic entrepreneurs to hear the Thames Valley’s questions and for us to shape future UK policy.”
SOURCE: FSB Thames Valley
