Your Development Manager: or call FSB SECURES MAJOR NICs U-TURN

Transcription

1 THE Merseyside, West Cheshire & Wigan Your Development Manager: or call May/June 2017 FSB SECURES MAJOR NICs U-TURN FSB has won a major victory against government plans to increase Class 4 National Insurance Contributions (NICs) on self-employed people, announced in the Budget. Within a week of the Chancellor s statement, FSB lobbying in Westminster and across UK regions achieved a re-think and ultimately U-turn on the decision, a move widely welcomed by the selfemployed dubbed the economy s risk-takers. Chris Burgess, Chairman of FSB Merseyside, West Cheshire and Wigan, said the success had particular implications for businesses in Liverpool City Region. We are delighted that the Chancellor has recognised the strong opposition to this tax hike on the self-employed, admitting it was against the spirit of the manifesto on which his party stood, and has now decided to scrap it for the duration of this parliament, he said. Liverpool City Region has historically seen an 18,500 annual shortfall in startups compared to the national average, and this tax increase would have discouraged even more people from starting and growing a business. The army of self-employed make a massive contribution to the UK economy. We consistently argued, since this measure was announced, that a taxgrab on the genuine self-employed people like hairdressers, electricians and plumbers makes absolutely no sense. We look forward to engaging with the summer review into the benefits that CHANCELLOR, PHILIP HAMMOND the self-employed need to be able raise families, pay the bills when sick, and prepare for retirement. We need to see what other measures are brought forward to make sure they support the UK s small business and selfemployed community. MP BREXIT FORUM WITH SHADOW BUSINESS MINISTER What Brexit means for business was the topic on the table at FSB Merseyside, West Cheshire and Wigan s first-ever MP forum. The roundtable featured Bill Esterson, Shadow Minister for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, in addition to business leaders from across the region. It took place in the heart of Bill s Sefton Central constituency at Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa. The Forum was the first of regular roundtable meetings FSB is to hold with local MPs to give small businesses a real dialogue with their elected political representatives. Read more on page 2. CONSERVATIVE MAYORAL CANDIDATE IN FSB TALK FSB held a roundtable in Liverpool with Metro Mayor candidate Tony Caldeira, who was joined by David Gauke, Chief Secretary to the Treasury. The event, which took place at the Women s Organisation s 54 St James Street headquarters, was chaired by its Chief Executive, Maggie O Carroll. With discussion and questions from small business owners, Tony outlined his pledges concerning businesses and the economy. He later debated the key issues at several roundtables with other candidates including Labour s Steve Rotheram, who recently launched his own manifesto. Turn to page 11. REGIONAL NEWS 2, 11, 14 BUSINESS UPDATE 3-10 REGIONAL CONTACTS 14 TO ADVERTISE CALL

2 Merseyside & West Cheshire PAGE 2 FSB RINGS THE CHANGES FSB has announced the most significant changes to its offer since it was founded in The sweeping transformation programme sees the introduction of a range of innovative new joining categories, as well as new and additional benefits. It is the next phase in FSB s rebranding exercise, which began in 2015, to ensure its stronghold as the most relevant, significant and accessible business organisation. Dave Stallon, FSB s Commercial Director, said: When FSB was founded in 1974, we adopted the Ford maxim of you can have any colour you like as long as it s black. We had one membership category, delivering the same benefits to all. That model worked for over 40 years, but we recognise that today s landscape is fast-changing and we want to offer different options to different business owners, as well as to those who are thinking about starting a business, to help them achieve their ambitions. FSB recognises that the small business landscape is changing and diversifying. Today s business owners have different motivations, needs and ambitions, running their businesses as part of increasingly varied lifestyles. FSB Business Creation and FSB Business Connect are two new joining categories which will sit alongside the original, but newly re-branded and enriched, FSB Business Essentials. A further joining category, FSB Business Plus, is due to launch later in the year, and a revolutionary new small business e-commerce platform, FSB Marketplace, is also being rolled out. 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. WHAT SMALL FIRMS WANT FROM BREXIT Preliminary findings of FSB s Brexit research identified four main priorities for FSB members: 1. Access to EU single market and non-eu markets; 2. Access to skills, labour and ease of doing business within the EU; 3. EU funding and what happens next, particularly for business support; 4. Regulatory framework post exiting the EU in the MP BREXIT FORUM WITH SHADOW MINISTER Shadow Business Minister Bill Esterson was joined by business owners from across his Sefton Central constituency and beyond to discuss their priorities for Brexit negotiations with the EU. The forum was chaired by Southport-based Michael Sandys, partner at Guy Williams Layton in Liverpool and Chairman of FSB s Sefton and Ormskirk branch. FSB provides a platform for business owners and it is important their ideas and concerns on Brexit are listened to and acted on, said Michael. We were delighted to do this with Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson, who is in a prominent position to influence negotiations. FSB s Brexit calls include a bold free trade agreement allowing access to Warrington Borough Council has secured 300,000 of government capital to invest in a smart transport scheme which promises to reduce traffic congestion. THE short, medium and longer term. Key Findings 29% of small business exporters expect fewer exports as a result of Brexit (one in five expect exports to increase, 42% expect no change.) 53% say non-tariff barriers impact on export destinations, 34% say nontariff barriers play no role. 21% employ EU citizens. Further, 47% predominantly BILL ESTERSON WITH BUSINESS OWNERS The scheme will help the local authority assume more effective control of key junctions via a Bluetooth-powered Urban Traffic Management and Control system. It employ mid-skilled workers to address skills shortages. 30% have benefited from freedom of movement in the past year for short-term contracts in the EEA. EU funding supports business growth. FSB s research shows that 22% of small businesses expect to grow between 10-19%. 53% believe reducing the regulatory burden should be the top priority. European markets, clarity over transitional arrangements and certainty over post- Brexit business support funding. FSB wants more support to boost exports with the world s fastestgrowing markets and guarantees to maintain the skills of existing EU workers in the UK. Michael added: Regulatory reform is a major priority for UK small business owners but we must get it right and not miss opportunities provided by Brexit by maintaining the regulatory framework in the medium-term. After that, FSB will push Government for the radical reform of the regulatory burden for small businesses. Bill Esterson said: There are significant opportunities for business and for well paid jobs as a result of us taking greater control of decisions in the city region. WARRINGTON SECURES A BOOST OF 300K FOR SMART TRANSPORT SCHEME will provide real-time information via on-street displays, interactive web pages, and a mobile app for drivers and bus travellers. The app will provide journey times.

3 Merseyside & West Cheshire FSB WELCOMES THE CHIEF SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY As part of our ongoing engagement with candidates for Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor, FSB recently held a member roundtable with Conservative candidate and local businessman, Tony Caldeira who was joined by David Gauke, Chief Secretary to the Treasury. Knowlsey-based Textile Entrepreneur Tony was brought up in Liverpool and attended school in St Helens. David was visiting the North West in the wake of the Government s re-think on its NIC increase for selfemployed people. We are delighted to have continued our engagement with Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor candidates by holding an excellent roundtable with Tony Caldeira and also David Gauke, alongside our small business members who were able to discuss their many priorities at both a local and national level with a senior government representative, said Phil McCabe, Development Manager for FSB Merseyside, West Cheshire and Wigan. Thanks to the Women s Organisation for hosting and Maggie O Carroll in particular for chairing the meeting and providing such valuable insights. In addition to Liverpool City Region priorities, the mayoral elections and FSB s own manifesto which outlines our wish-list and has been sent to all candidates, attendees had the chance to debate key issues with one of the most influential people in government. In 2016 David was appointed as Chief Secretary to the Treasury. He has previously held the posts of Exchequer Secretary and Financial Secretary. Key topics discussed with David included the Budget, the potential of devolution and the private sector in driving productivity, the importance of continuing and building on the Northern Powerhouse, the value of social enterprises to Liverpool City Region s economy and the devastating impact late payment and non-payment has on small business suppliers. FSB Merseyside, West Cheshire and Wigan s Liverpool City Region Mayoral Election Manifesto focuses on boosting business support, enhancing procurement, small business investment, transport and digital connectivity, education and skills, energy, housing and planning. STEVE ROTHERAM MANIFESTO LAUNCH FSB attended the manifesto launch of Labour s candidate for the 2017 Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram, at Maritime and Engineering College in Birkenhead, Wirral, recently. Steve said that the devolution agenda must be used to reconnect politics to the needs of ordinary people s lives, and was a golden opportunity for Liverpool City Region to take back control of key decisions. He set out five key pillars for progress Ambitious, Fair, Green, Connected and Together. With me as Metro Mayor - I will help reconnect our party with those in the City Region that have lost trust in politics, said Steve. I want to use devolution to reenergise our City Region s dynamism and creativity with a 21st century vision of ideas first extolled and brought to life by our forebears all those years ago. It s not just about process. It s about THE FROM LEFT: TONY CALDEIRA, DAVID GAUKE, MAGGIE O CARROLL vision. We were pivotal to the first Industrial Revolution as the gateway to the New World. Let s ensure we are pivotal to the fourth Industrial Revolution - by being the digital gateway to the New Economy. Later, Steve took part in a debate with Conservative candidate Tony Caldeira, Carl Cashman (Liberal Democrats), Tabitha Morton (Women s Equality Party) and Tom Crone (Green). MASTERPLAN FOR CREWE UNVEILED AT MIPIM IN CANNES A new masterplan aimed at boosting growth and investment in the centre of Crewe has been unveiled. Highlights from the masterplan, which will also support the creation of new jobs and the delivery of more homes to meet the needs of people and employers in the area, were unveiled at the world-renowned MIPIM exhibition in Cannes. Cheshire East Council aims to create 37,000 jobs in the town by 2043, with a proposed HS2 hub station also expected to enhance the area. Quoted in Move Commercial, Councillor Rachel Bailey, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: The Crewe masterplan gives an insight into the future of the town. The council is both a major investor and a major advocate for Cheshire East and it is right that the local authority commits time and resources to build market confidence and promote Cheshire East as a great place to be and help deliver jobs, investment and greater opportunities for all our residents. With HS2 coming to Crewe in 2027, the town is set to become one of the most connected places in the UK and a great place to invest and do business. This will be a revolutionary change for the area as Crewe will be only 25 minutes by train from central Manchester and Birmingham as well as being less than an hour from central London. PAGE 11

4

5 FREE ACCESS TO FINANCE HELPING TO BOOST BUSINESS GROWTH Advice on business finance from Finpoint and PwC is free from the FSB portal 1 Upload your details online at 2 Expect a phonecall within three working days 3 Expect alerts from lenders within five days 4 Allow 2-3 weeks to negotiate with lenders FINPOINT LIMITED, Regent Street, London, W1B 5TD, United Kingdom. FINPOINT Limited is a Credit Broker sourcing from the whole of the market, not a Lender. Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under reference number (FRN) If you feel you may have a complaint, please visit and read the post titled: What if I have a Complaint?

6 Merseyside & West Cheshire SECTOR-BASED WORK ACADEMIES FROM WIGAN COUNCIL Wigan Council s Skills and Learning Team has been delivering Sector Based Work Academies over the past year in partnership with Job Centre Plus. The academies were introduced by the Government to help unemployed people back into work. From an employer perspective, the academies help businesses recruit a workforce with the right skills to sustain and grow their businesses. SBWA s are flexible and can be designed to meet requirements across all sectors. They are generally made up of a three-day course, with all attendees who complete the programme guaranteed an interview with an employer. Other key components are pre-employment training and a work experience placement. If businesses are unable to offer all these components, an alternative option could be joining with other employers in a consortium approach. Participants will remain on benefit throughout the period of the sectorbased work academy and Jobcentre Plus will pay any travel and childcare costs while they are on the work experience placement. There is no direct cost to an employer for sectorbased work academies as the costs are covered by government funding. CHAIRMAN S COLUMN We are on the brink of great change for Liverpool City Region and, ultimately, all regions of the UK. May s elections for a new Metro CHRIS BURGESS FSB CONNECT NETWORKING LAUNCHED FSB Connect, FSB s new nationwide networking offer, was launched in the region with #FSBConnectBootle in late April. Taking place on the last Thursday of each month at 375 Stanley Road, Bootle, breakfast and refreshments are provided. The cost is 10 per person. More FSB Connect Networking in other areas will be announced soon. In addition, the region is Mayor is the cornerstone of the devolution process. This will give us an opportunity to take more control of our own destiny. For FSB this means an opportunity to make this city and region, alongside our partners in the Northern Powerhouse, the best place in which to grow a business. We must make the most of the devolved powers granted to us and build a system that supports small businesses. We need to address the region s 18,500 annual shortfall in start-ups of new businesses, as compared to the national average. Addressing this problem would lead to vast improvement in our economy. A partnership approach will be key. We are committed to continuing our progressive work as part of the G12 group and our role on the strategic board of the local Enterprise Hub. FSB is good at co-ordinating national and local action. This was evidenced in the recent government u-turn on NICs for the self-employed. Change also means we have to adapt as an organisation. I would urge businesses to take a look at our new joining categories and member benefits that are coming online particularly the FSB Marketplace service and FSB Connect Networking, which will be coming to a location near you soon. hosting virtual networking sessions via monthly Twitter chats. Keep an eye and regions/merseyside-westcheshire-wigan for more information. REGIONAL OFFICERS Regional Chairman Chris Burgess Regional Vice Chairmen Clive Marshall Karen Bellion Regional Secretary David Taylor Regional Treasurer Clive Marshall National Councillor Alexis Lay BRANCH CHAIRMEN Crewe & Nantwich Sandy Cowen Liverpool & Knowsley Karen Bellion Sefton & Ormskirk Michael Sandys michael.sandys@fsb.org.uk Wigan, St Helens, Warrington & Widnes Dawn Kenyon Wirral Clive Marshall DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Phil McCabe Mobile phil.mccabe@fsb.org.uk DIRECTORY ENQUIRIES Now 192 has gone which service do you use? You should try FSB Telecom Directory enquiries It operates 24 hours a day 7 days a week and is serviced by highly trained operators. Only 35p per call. No additional per minute charges. THE PAGE 14