FSB Podcast

This month we explore a major change to comms and IT that is set to impact all small businesses – but which could actually benefit you in many ways – the ISDN switch off, which is being billed as the biggest communication change in 30 years. Guest: Nick Clarke, Founder & Business Development Director, Evolution Business Consultancy

This month we will be examining what FSB would like to see the government do to encourage greater adoption of tech and innovation among small businesses – and FSB’s wishlist when it comes to government support for the tourism, hospitality and retail sectors in the lead up to Christmas. We also discuss the expansion of ULEZ – or the Ultra Low Emission Zone – and why that will have an impact on busi...

Successful business entrepreneur Sarah Haran talks about how she has grown her luxury accessories brand. She reveals how you can use brand advocacy for your small firms to sell more products and grow your business. Guest: Sarah Haran, Founder/CEO Sarah Haran Accessories

Looking at the future of the High Street and what traders need most in the way of support from the government. And doing a stock-take on international trade for small businesses after some new research, we ask how small businesses are managing the complexity at the moment.

We share some of the success stories from Celebrating Small Business Awards 2023, talking to the winners of the Startup Business of the Year, Exporter of the Year and Self Employed /Freelancer of the Year Awards to find out how they achieved success and what they would like to see in the future to help Small Businesses in the UK. Guests: David Griffiths, Director & Founder of ABERDAM Chris Gar...

Tips for the tourist season and the FSB's 'Sunshine List'; the issue of small businesses struggling to pay back their 'bounce back' and other Covid loans and the options available. Plus, the latest tax changes affecting SMEs and why things could get tougher. Guests: Alan Soady: Media Director, FSB Anna Slater: Deputy Head of Media and Communications, FSB

This episode is the last in our mini series on marketing – and looks at digital marketing – in particular how you can reach new audiences and promote your business using paid media and the costs involved with this. Guest: Steve Cox, Founder, Planit

This month we look at the latest interesting results from FSB’s Small Business Index - the confidence barometer for small businesses, and also get expert advice on how to manage debt recovery. Guests: Alan Soady, Head of Media and Communications at FSB Mark Rankin, Head of Commercial Services at Markel Law

In this episode, we hone in on practical tips to help small businesses start using social media to market their products and services and hear about what works for one small business owner benefiting greatly from an organised approach to using these platforms. Guests:  Sascha Way, Founding Partner, Wise Bird Marketing Tabbin Almond, Wine to Water Coaching

Find out how small firms are being held back from international trade by excessive customs paperwork, soaring costs and supply chain issues, and what FSB would like to see from government to remove those barriers. Then we explore what support rural small businesses need to help them play their crucial role in energising the economy. Guests:  Tina McKenzie: FSB Policy Chair  Michael Weedon, Chair,...

From apprenticeships and T Level industry placements to Skills Bootcamps, Higher Technical qualifications and Multiply numeracy courses – there are a range of training and employment schemes to keep businesses moving. With some funding available to support small and medium sized employers, this episode explores how three employers have benefitted from the range of schemes available. Guests: Hollie...

Looking towards the UK Spring Budget, an important milestone in the small business calendar – we talk to FSB's Alan Soady about what small businesses want and what the FSB expects from the government in light of crucial issues, such as the cost of doing business crisis. Guest:  Alan Soady, Head of Media and Communications at FSB.

As we mark National Apprenticeship Week 2023 (6 – 12 February), this monthly round-up takes a deep dive into how apprenticeships are working for small businesses, exploring FSB’s calls to improve the system. We speak with policy expert Chris Russell and hear from Tom Filer on his experience of employing numerous apprentices in his small business. We go on to focus on the important issue of childca...

What are the latest cyber threats and how can you protect your small business against them? A look at the emerging and common digital threats facing small business at the moment – and throughout 2023 – as well as providing some guidance on how you can keep your company safe from scammers and attackers. Guest: Helen Barge, managing director, Riskevolves

A deep dive into three issues impacting small businesses at the moment.  Paul Wilson, FSB’s director of policy, talks us through the very recent announcement of changes to the government’s Energy Bill Relief Scheme. Lucy Monks, head of international affairs at FSB, explains how small businesses can benefit from free trade agreements. And Ben Butler, senior policy advisor at FSB – looks at the situ...

How to start and boost your small business marketing featuring TV personality Max McMurdo who shares his experience building his sustainable furniture business, and Jo Sutherland, expert in marketing who gives some great tips on where and how to market your small business bearing in mind your individual requirements, and how to make social media work for you. Guests: Max McMurdo, designer, author...

This episode looks at the latest developments around energy costs for small businesses and the steps FSB is taking to reduce the pain of that, and also unpicks the recent Autumn Statement, to understand the impact of the big announcements on small businesses as well as what more the government should be doing to support SMEs in 2023. Guests:  Alan Soady, Head of Media and Communications, FSB Paul...

Are you worried about your energy costs as a small business? This episode looks at the pressing issue of rising energy costs and explores whether smart meters can help you reduce your bills, as well as offering practical tips and guidance for you to reduce those costs in other ways. Guest: Fflur Lawton, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Smart Energy GB

In this episode we look at the latest findings from FSB's Small Business Index, the quarterly temperature-taking survey that surveys small business owners and sole traders on confidence in the market and their current challenges. With the forthcoming Autumn Statement, we look at what small businesses would like to see from Government and also at the issue of late payments and why this is prov...

As your small business looks to scale and grow, tech can play a pivotal role in helping you identify opportunities and analyse the right areas in which to advance. You can also network to market your company to a broader customer base, to better fulfil orders and ensure you remain in touch with clients. In this episode, we share some real-life examples of tech in action.  This episode is the third...

After the UK party conferences this month, we report on the government’s mini-budget and subsequent U-turn on the 45p tax rate, the latest business support announcements and the new political landscape. We also discuss the important topic of social value: Why it is good for your company and how you can report the social value you are already creating in your community as a small business.  Guests:...

Do you want your small business to operate more efficiently? Technology can take the strain of the everyday activities that bog down small business owners and prevent them from getting on with their core activities, such as selling, building clients and growing. In this session our experts share practical examples of how tech can be used to improve businesses operationally, from automating process...

In this month’s Small Business Round-up, we discuss the rising cost of doing business and the affect of rising inflation and energy prices on small business owners. We also look at the key findings of a new FSB report into skills and education and how small businesses can tackle skills shortages and gaps. Guests: Tina McKenzie, FSB Chair, Policy and Advocacy  Hollie Whittles, FSB Policy Champion f...

Looking for new ways to grow your business? As a small business owner, you’ll know how important it is to innovate and stay one step ahead of the competition to meet customer expectations. In this episode, we’ll explore how tech can fuel and facilitate innovation, from customer insights and company performance, to identifying growth and innovation opportunities. You’ll also hear how you can use th...

In this episode, we look at the current state of play with the Northern Ireland protocol, an issue that many small businesses will be keeping an eye on. We also examine the issue of rising insurance costs for small businesses and provide some tips for how you manage the lack of affordable premiums. Finally, we talk to FSB about what small businesses will need from a new Prime Minister, whether Liz...