Partner Article

Joined-up thinking from FSB and BE-NE

Business and Enterprise North East have been busy this week - along with the creation of a partnership to promote easier international trade for North East businesses, BE-NE have now joined with the Federation of Small Businesses to better serve the SME community in the region.

The group, which sees a new set of FSB ‘regional activists’ sitting alongside top BE-NE officials, will meet on a quarterly basis to examine the effectiveness of services for small businesses in the region.

It aims to look at ways in which the BE-NE service can improve and develop, and how the FSB can relay this information back to its members. The group will also be tasked with making strategic decisions on the working relationship between the two organisations and to examine the impact policy decisions may have on the SME marketplace.

Colin Stratton, FSB Regional Chairman for the North East, said: “This partnership will not only enhance the very good working relationship we have with BE-NE but will also see huge potential benefits to North East SMEs. The key benefit of the group is that the make-up consists of small business owners and the advantages of this will be seen through the results and outcomes that will follow.

“What is particularly pleasing for me, as Regional Chairman, is that the group is made up entirely of new regional activists whom are going to be crucial to continuing the development of the FSB in our region.”

Jonathan Lamb, director of marketing at Business & Enterprise North East, said: “We have always worked closely with the Federation of Small Businesses, and these quarterly forums take it to the next level. We now have a much more regular opportunity to discuss member needs, discuss future plans and ensure they can access the business support they need to help them succeed and ultimately prosper.

“Our organisations share a common vision and this partnership reflects our joint commitment to support new and established businesses in the North East.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .