Focus SB attends event for SMEs with speaker Jonathan Reynolds MP

Our MD, Gary Stevens was pleased to attend an invite-only event organised by the Staffordshire Chambers’ of Commerce at Vale Park on Thursday 21st March, hosted by British Chambers’ of Commerce Director General, Shevaun Haviland with speaker the Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds. 

Mr Reynolds announced some of the Labour Party’s ambitions for small businesses and invited the event attendees to question him on a range of topics, including energy, taxation, exporting and land value capture. 

Mr Stevens commented: “I was privileged to be invited on behalf of Focus SB to participate in this event today at Port Vale Football Club to listen to the Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds and his views on business and SMEs and how a Labour government may support us if they win the next general election. A number of questions were taken from the floor and answered eloquently. I was particularly encouraged by the response to the future of apprenticeships and their shared views of my own, related to the apprenticeship levy and taking some of the unused excess and distributing it fairly amongst SMEs rather than just disappearing into the Treasury’s coffers!”

The event helped to facilitate a dynamic discussion between businesses from a diverse range of sectors.

Reacting to the publication of Labour’s small business plan at the first in a series of local events for SMEs in November 2023, hosted by Essex Chambers of Commerce, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:  “We were pleased to welcome the Shadow Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds to Essex this morning to launch this important plan with Chamber members.  

“Our network of 53 accredited chambers represents tens of thousands of small businesses across the country. As the BCC, we work constructively with all political parties to make the UK the best place to start and grow a business.  

“Companies are facing tough trading conditions. Our latest Quarterly Economic Survey revealed only 23% of firms had increased investment over the past few months.  

“It is good to see a growing political consensus that planning reform and improved access to the grid are fundamental to the future of local economies.  

“We welcome Labour’s recommitment to reforming business rates. The current system isn’t responsive to changes in the economic or business cycle. Our members will be looking closely at alternative proposals from Labour, and whether they will truly incentivise growth and investment. 

“Many of the small businesses we represent trade around the world, and it is encouraging to see the focus on boosting small business exports. 

“We look forward to seeing more details of how Labour plans to revitalise high streets. The focus on tackling crime is welcome, but changing the face of the UK’s high-streets is a multi-faceted problem.  

“As small firms continue to face skills shortages, we continue to call for all parties to commit to Local Skills Improvement Plans for the long-term. Chamber led LSIPs are already proving successful in matching business needs and local training.” 

Read Staffordshire business Daily Focus full report to learn more.

Read Chamber Network’s reaction to Labour’s small business plan at the British Chambers of Commerce.

Visit Government Department for Education to learn more about the local skills improvement plans (LSIPs) and local skills improvement fund (LSIF).