The FSB’s England Policy Unit (EPU) has announced the fresh appointment of new Policy representatives to form the body that will set the strategic direction for the FSB policy team across England as the economy turns its focus to recovery.
One of the newly appointed local Policy Chairs is set to take up the seat for the East Midlands with immediate effect.
Seven new members of the EPU will take up their positions to focus on setting the policy agenda and finding business-led solutions to recovery and transition from the Covid-crisis which has caused huge suffering for the self-employed, small businesses and their employees right across the country.
As the East Midlands is a strategically important region – covering three LEPs, 45 local authorities, 46 Members of Parliament, a population of more than 4.7 million and with an economic output of over £98bn, this is area has huge potential and therefore requires dedicated representation.
Now, from January Clare Elsby, Business Development Director of Northampton based accountancy firm Elsby & Co, will lead policy development on behalf of the 12,900 FSB member businesses across the region.
New Policy Representative for East Midlands region Clare Elsby, said: “I have been the elected Area Lead for Northamptonshire, Rutland and Leicestershire since January 2019, and in that time I have been involved in many policy areas at grassroots level, supporting my local FSB members, both locally and nationally. I was delighted therefore to be asked to join the FSB’s English Policy Unit, representing members in the wider East Midlands Area.
“My accountancy training means that I have a wide range of commercial experience. I am passionate about small and medium-size businesses, which are the backbone of the UK economy and need the support of Government now, more than ever, to navigate both the new landscape presented by Brexit and recovery post Covid. The FSB, I believe, has the voice to make this happen.
“When not at work, or championing the FSB, I can be found on the dance floor. I simply cannot wait to get back to competing across the UK, including in Blackpool, the iconic home for ballroom dancers worldwide, and the FSB!”
New FSB England Policy Chair, Ian O’Donnell, said: “The challenges facing politicians across England in 2021 will be multi-faceted and require the ingenuity and enterprise of FSB members and the wider small business community. We will meet these challenges and provide workable solutions to regional and local decision makers.
“I am therefore delighted and honoured to take up the position of England Policy Chair and have the opportunity to work with a fantastic team of volunteer FSB members, from right across the Country, to help shape the policy agenda to meet the needs of the millions of small businesses.”
The EPU will be led by Coventry based businessman, Ian O’Donnell MBE, and the Committee will be represented by:
· Alan Creedy (Vice-Chair)
· Richard Askew (Yorkshire & NE)
· Clare Elsby (East Midlands)
· Nishi Mehta (West Midlands)
· Rowsonara Begum (South West)
· Paul Wareham (North West)
· Deborah Turner (South East) Rowena Howie (London) Richards Grapper (East of England)
· + One position TBC