FSB flying small business flag as party conference season kicks off

The FSB will be flying the flag for small businesses during the autumn party conference season with fringe meetings at the conferences of the three major political parties, jointly hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Small Business Group.

The Liberal Democrats kick off the season in Bournemouth and the FSB will be holding its State of Enterprise fringe meeting in the regency setting of the Trouville Hotel.

The guest speakers are Malcolm Bruce MP, the Liberal Democrat's trade and industry spokesman, ably assisted by Brian Cotter MP, the party’s small business spokesman.

The Labour Conference over in Brighton sees the FSB host a lunchtime fringe featuring John Healey MP, the Economic Secretary to the Treasury and All-Party Group Chairman Kerry Pollard MP.

Back in Bournemouth, The Rt Hon. James Arbuthnot MP, the Shadow Trade Secretary, is the guest speaker at the evening fringe meeting at the Conservative Party Conference.

All of the fringe meetings will be chaired by FSB National Chairman Carol Undy.

Carol Undy said: “The high profile politicians who will address our fringe meetings this year are indicative of the importance of small firms to the UK economy. The state of enterprise meetings will cover a broad range of small business issues but delegates will be particularly keen to hear how each of the political parties intends to cut the unnecessary regulatory burdens that hold back