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Business Focus by David Richardson
The need for business growth and entrepreneurship in the Highlands region is clear, but many FSB members feel that politicians and policy makers are doing something for them rather than with or for them. I feel like I’m doing a lot of work and feel discouraged.
And, as last year’s FSB Scottish Large Small and Medium Enterprise Survey revealed, this has implications for economies and local communities. When asked if they had growth plans for 2023 and 2024, the second most important reason Highland businesses said “no” was “increased government regulation of businesses.”
Businesses accept the need for regulation, but ill-considered implementation can stifle ambition.
Small businesses, which are so important to our economic prosperity and well-being, should be at the center of political and public sector thinking. Because only with strong businesses and economies can all regions of the country prosper.
And speaking of prosperity, we’re delighted that FSB Scotland’s 2024 Young Entrepreneur of the Year is from Altus, Mid-Sutherland.
Back on the family farm a year ago, Sandy Gordon began creating a variety of hand-poured home fragrances, including candles, wax melts and diffusers, under the Croft brand.
She is a young, talented, ambitious and community-minded entrepreneur who is supported by Impact30, the WYK Digital Program and HIE’s Import/Export Program and already supplies over 20 stores across the UK. and sells internationally online. Sandy is exactly what Highland needs.
But all support does not have to come from the public sector. The FSB’s approach is to ensure that its members’ needs reach and influence politicians and policy makers through the provision of a wide range of support services such as FSB Legal and great networking opportunities. The focus is on the role of a spokesperson.
We are currently running a series of business bootcamps across the UK, one of which will be held at the Caledonian Stadium in Caley Thistle, Inverness on Friday 26th April.
Rather than PowerPoint presentations, we will host a series of interactive panel sessions that include audience participation, great business networking opportunities, positions from key public sector support agencies, and more. It’s going to be a great day.
For more information, search for “FSB events” and type “Highland” in the search box.
- David Richardson is Regional Development Manager at the Federation of Small Businesses.
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