March/April 2016Your Development Manager: ann.vandermeulen@fsb.org.uk or call 0845 130 8217

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REGIONAL NEWS 2, 11, 14 BUSINESS UPDATE 3-10 REGIONAL CONTACTS 14 TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 7324 2776

CORNWALL CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO SIMPLIFY BUSINESS LICENSINGBusinesses often need several licences, many that need renewing annually. Cornwall Council deals with 94 different types of licence permissions resulting in 15,000 applications every year, administered by 12 different teams.

A huge task for them and worse for the businesses. It can be a real headache.

Good news. Cornwall is spearheading reform of the UK’s outdated licensing laws following a year-long project looking at how to stop businesses and local councils getting bogged down in paperwork.

To this end, Cornwall Council has submitted a report to Government outlining a new, simpler approach to help businesses get licences quickly and easily, saving time and money.

The report was drawn up following extensive consultation with Cornish businesses who said they found licensing complicated, confusing and burdensome.

One publican said he had to consult three different departments to put tables and chairs outside.

While the Government considers the report, the Council is already pressing ahead with some of its own reforms through an initiative called Better Business for All (BBFA). Driven locally by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), council regulatory staff and advised by the

business community (FSB is a key partner in BBFA) a hub initiative has been created to save businesses time and money by simplifying regulation and having a one-stop-shop of information.

Ann Vandermeulen, Development Manager for FSB Cornwall said: “Whilst regulation must be only used where absolutely necessary, licensing is a fact of life for many businesses. It is vital that it should be simple, beneficial to the business and not a threatening burden. We are pleased to have been invited by

BBFA to join the partnership and advise on much needed improvements.”

From 4 January 2016, businesses in Cornwall will be able to access advice through a new hub drawing together different licensing teams and a number of other regulatory services within the Council.

The hub is currently evolving but the aim is that businesses can use the service and, in these early days, give feedback to simplify the licensing process. See http://www.ciosgrowthhub.com/advice/bbfa

When was the last time you checked out FSB’s Membership benefit package?

We continually review our offer to members, adding new services and improving long-standing favourites.

If you haven’t checked the latest offer for a while you may be able to save time and money or both via one of the benefits your membership gives you.

Visit www.fsb.org.uk/benefits for more information.

Our magazines are still great ways to keep you informed, but sometimes we need to reach you more quickly and this is where we prefer to use digital communications over print.

We send an E-newsletter out every Thursday. If you don’t receive it let us know and we can help you sign up.

Our website www.fsb.org.uk/cornwall is also regularly updated with new information and events. If you use Twitter make sure you follow FSB Cornwall, FSB’s Regional Twitter account - @FSBCornwall has over 1800 followers so it is a good place to find out what’s happening.

If you have any problems keeping in touch contact our Customer Services Department 0808 20 20 888.

REGULAR COMMUNICATIONSMEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

MATT SILVER – BUSINESS AND STAKEHOLDER RELATIONSHIP MANAGER FOR THE CORNWALL & ISLES OF SCILLY LEP, GEOFF BROWN - CABINET MEMBER AT CORNWALL COUNCIL (PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR COM-MUNITIES), ANGIE MCGINN - LICENSING MANAGER FOR CORNWALL COUNCIL, ADAM LUCK - ESTATE MANAGER AT ST AUSTELL BREWERY

CornwallAn Lev Negys Rag Kernow

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We started 2016 with a series of small informal meetings with each of our MPs in their constituencies.

These were specifically arranged for FSB members in Cornwall to raise the issues that matter to you. It assists our MPs to have real stories from their own voting population to take forward as evidence.

It also helps FSB to campaign on your behalf and follow your issues up.

Together we are more likely to be able to achieve solutions to business issues so it is vital that these local sessions, with you our members, take place.

Notes are taken and provided to the MP and attendees so that actions are not forgotten and the MPs have been good in committing to take issues away to work on.

We had quite a shopping list and examples of issues discussed were broadband, business rates, controlled waste collection for businesses, parking, VAT, HMRC quarterly payments, the care sector, Devolution in Cornwall and FSB’s National Policy Conference.

MPs that took part were:· Sarah Newton MP for Truro

and Falmouth· Sheryll Murray MP for South

East Cornwall· Steve Double MP for St

Austell and Newquay• Derek Thomas MP for St Ives• Scott Mann MP for North

Cornwall• George Eustice MP for

Camborne, Redruth and HayleMore local MP business

issues surgeries are planned as it is important that we maintain a regular contact. You can book your place and get more details at our Events Calendar.

The drive to encourage more FSB members to take on apprentices will be further boosted in March by a series of events to highlight the importance of apprenticeships.

National Apprenticeship Week runs from March 14 to 18 and there will be meetings around the country to showcase businesses who already have apprentices and to encourage others to follow suit.

With the Government committed to introducing three million apprenticeships over the next five years, FSB members will be sought after because encouraging more small businesses to take on apprentices is seen as the key to making the ambitious programme succeed.

The week of events aims to show employers that taking on an apprentice could not only give youngsters an

important first career step but could introduce invaluable assets to the workforce. Research shows the majority of apprentices are ultimately taken on by their employers and many now see this as the ideal route to take on trainees.

Businesses are being incentivised to do so with the extension of apprenticeship grants which mean you could get grants of £1,500 per apprentice.

You can also get funding for training and gain support through local apprenticeship training organisations for all the qualifications, HR issues and assessments you need making it easier to take on an apprentice.

Supporting apprenticeships is an FSB policy and our Regional Chairman, Adrian Penter, said: “We hope this initiative will lead to more businesses considering taking on an apprentice.”

DON’T FORGET NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK

MEMBERS GATHER AT FSB APPRENTICESHIP EVENT IN CORNWALL

The new and latest roll out of Superfast broadband is expected to cover at least 8,600 further premises in Cornwall.

BT, Cornwall Council and the LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership)

have partnered to deliver this work, investing £7.6m together with BDUK (the Government’s Broadband Delivery unit), Cornwall’s Growth Deal, and the Regional Growth Fund.

The roll out will be

phased and design work for the first phase has been finalised.

This will upgrade 1,700 premises by September this year with the 8,600 completed by the end of 2017.

SUPERFAST BROADBAND UPDATE

Following our recent rebrand (have you seen our new look?) on 14 April East Cornwall Branch are hosting a workshop on a subject that is at the forefront of FSB minds right now, branding. Local experts Aawen

Design Studio from Truro will show us that it’s not just about your logo (although that is important), it is about a whole persona and position for your business. Join us at Elliot House Hotel in Liskeard. Arrive at 11 for coffee

and time to gather your thoughts. The meeting will start at 11.30 for about one hour followed by a networking lunch and finish at 2pm. To book and for details go to our web calendar at www.fsb.org.uk/cornwall.

EAST CORNWALL BRANDING WORKSHOP

CORNISH MPS TAKE FSB MEMBER ISSUES TO WORK ON

VOICE EDITORIAL: This publication is produced by and published for the Federation of Small Businesses, Sir Frank Whittle Way, Blackpool Business Park Blackpool, Lancs, FY4 2FE.© Copyright 1996 Federation of Small Businesses all rights reserved. Editor: James Connor. Tel: 01253 361179 Email: james.connor@fsb.org.uk.Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this publication errors or omissions are not the responsibility of the Federation of Small Businesses and opinions expressed are those of the authors and are not necessarily the policy of the Federation.

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Kingsley Village, Penhale, TR9 6NA: 7pm: 10 March 2016. Open to all members.

The event will involve speakers from LEADER and your Local Action Group (LAG) who can assist members in grant applications for money which is currently available to help to expand and grow your existing business or set up and start a small business.

The speakers will inform you of the different grants available and how to access them. They will be on hand to advise you through the application process and to guide you through making an application for grant funding.

We feel that the event will be worthwhile for any business looking to access money but who has perhaps been put off by the

application process in the past. The money is there to be used by small businesses in Cornwall. The event is FREE to members and to the wider business community to allow for as much diversity and interest as possible. FSB representatives on the

LAGs will be present if any members and non-members would like to discuss the benefits of FSB or the process of applying to a LAG for grant funding and continued support. Book via our web calendar at www.fsb.org.uk/Cornwall

Representatives from FSB Cornwall attended a Devon & Cornwall Police presentation regarding new ways in which retailers can cut shoplifting in the region.

The national policing standards guide was recently presented at a seminar on shoplifting at Buckfast Abbey.

Millions of pounds are lost through shoplifting which is a continuing problem to businesses of all sizes. The guide sets out standards to help retailers manage the issue of theft and be pro-active to prevent crime as well as achieve good evidence when reporting.

Ian Drummond-Smith, Superintendent Local Policing, said: “We will continue to remain committed to supporting businesses and retailers by helping them to take positive and pro-active steps to stop theft offences being committed.

“The revised Police Response to an Investigation of Shoplifting will improve efficiency and effectiveness for both the police and businesses. By working together we can make changes, prevent crime and deal more effectively with those who might forget to pay.”

Working alongside business partners in a bid to work towards a common standard, the seminar introduced ways to increase the amount of information shared.

Further information at the Devon and Cornwall Police website:

https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/crime-prevention/your-business/shoplifting-robbery/

WAGING WAR ON SHOPLIFTING

A luxury hotel for cats in Yorkshire and a cake company from Kent which became an internet sensation were among the finalists for the 2016 FSB Worldpay Business Awards.

In a celebration of innovation, diversity and social responsibility, over 1,000 entries were submitted this year by fast-growing SMEs across the UK, a welcome sign of confidence for the year ahead.

Recognising the crucial role that SMEs play in the UK economy, FSB Worldpay Small Business Awards – now in their third year – are designed to find the country’s most successful SMEs who also have diversity and corporate social responsibility at their heart.

Tim Campbell MBE, the first winner of The Apprentice and founder of the Bright Ideas Trust, announced the winners at a national awards ceremony.

Sandra Dexter, National Vice Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said the standard of this year’s entries was extraordinary, with more businesses than ever before.

She said: “This reflects a real upsurge in entrepreneurial vigour and optimism among many firms across the UK. Starting a business can be tremendously exciting and invigorating, and it takes great courage and

fortitude. I’m proud to be part of these awards because they celebrate these remarkable people, showing appreciation and support for the fantastic contribution they make to our country.”

Dave Hobday, UK Managing Director at Worldpay, added: “Seeing the strength and achievements of the diverse SMEs who have entered the awards has made for an incredibly encouraging start to the year. Small businesses continue to drive the UK economy and it’s important that we acknowledge the tremendous hard work and commitment it takes to run your own company. With 2016 now upon us, there is no better time to celebrate them and encourage even greater success in the year ahead.”

The highly prized awards boasted seven categories: Microbusiness; Online Business of the Year; Business & Product Innovation; Business Exporter; Ethical/Green Business; Family Business and Start-up of the year.

One category winner, announced as the overall winner, has received a total prize fund of £12,000 and named The FSB Worldpay UK Business of the Year. Want to see who won and maybe get inspiration for a Cornish business, your business, to be a winner next year? Visit: www.fsbworldpayawards.org.uk

FSB AND WORLDPAY A WINNING COMBINATION

HOW TO ACCESS LOCAL ACTION GROUP FUNDS

BOB BUNNEY OF DEVON & CORNWALL POLICE ADDRESSES THE AUDIENCE OF POLICE OFFICERS AND BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVES

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GET THE MOST FROM YOUR TELECOMSDave Millett of Equinox, a leading Telecoms Brokerage and Consultancy looks at getting the best from your telecoms.

When did you last try calling your own company? This is often people’s first experience of dealing with you. Whilst systems can measure time to answer and abandoned calls do you know how customers are greeted? If you use routing options such as ‘press 1’, ‘press 2’ etc. – are they easy to navigate? It may save you time but it can create irritation for the caller. If you use an answering service are they creating the right impression for your company?

Secondly, is your solution enhancing the productivity of your staff? Technologies that enable working on the move and at home are readily available. Services such as call recording to review customer service quality and video conferencing/webinar services to reduce travel costs are now available for small monthly fees. Costs have fallen significantly and it is worth revisiting many technologies to assess if they can benefit your business.

When did you last check the costs you are paying? 80% of organisations have not reviewed, in detail, their bills in the last two years. Call costs have fallen significantly. Are you the 1 in 7 company that is paying for services they no longer use? If you are about to sign a new contract always check the following:

1. How long is it for?2. What is the notice period?3. Are prices fixed?4. What are the cancellation

penalties?5. Have you got the

costs of every element and destination?

6. Are there set up fees or minimum charges on calls?

7. Are unlimited or bundles right for you?

Over 1,000 small business owners from all over the UK are beating a path to the SECC in Glasgow to be part of the annual FSB Conference and Expo from 17-19 March 2016.

Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, will be adding her voice to an impressive line-up of keynote speakers alongside senior UK government and opposition MPs. Hosting the Conference and back on home ground, is TV presenter and journalist Kirsty Wark, whose job it will be to put the spotlight on the panel of influential decision-makers and quiz them about their plans and policies regarding small businesses.

Kirsty, who grew up in Kilmarnock but now lives in Glasgow, tells of her pride in being part of the FSB Conference and how she’s looking forward to meeting delegates during the three days. “Glasgow is such a beautiful city” she says ”and it’s very welcoming, having been voted one of the friendliest cities in the world.”

Another well-known Scottish figure, Fraser Doherty MBE, of SuperJam fame has already confirmed his place as this year’s main business speaker. Fraser will reveal the secrets of his amazing and meteoric rise from learning the art of jam-making as a schoolboy in his grandmother’s kitchen to running a multi-million pound business exporting food

products around the world - and all before the age of 30!

This year’s Conference has many new features including new sponsors Epson and British Standards Institute working alongside key FSB providers and supporters.

Away from the main Conference platform, the theme of ‘Invention, Innovation and Investment’ is running through the event itinerary with the co-located FSB Business Expo (details below).

For those who also want to explore the delights of Scotland’s largest city whilst they’re there, a package of trips have been arranged which include the world famous Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel.

Registrations for the event are already breaking records and places are filling up rapidly so make sure you reserve your place by booking online at fsbexpo.co.uk or follow the QR code (inset in above picture).

ALL ROADS LEAD TO GLASGOW FOR FSB CONFERENCE 2016

When FSB’s Business Expo opens its doors at the SECC, Glasgow from 17-19 March, it will signal the start of three days of totally free business to business opportunities all brought together under one roof.

This year the Expo is set to be bigger than ever with over 100 exhibitors, keynote speeches from some of the country’s leading business gurus and inspiring seminars designed to help you improve and grow your business.

If you have ever thought how handy it would be to network with over 1,000 other similar-minded business people from all over the UK,

well here’s your chance.The Expo is all about

encouraging you to build your contact list and find ways of growing your business and achieving your ambitions.

It’s the ideal place to pick up practical hints and tips and at the same time browse around the wide range of exhibitors, all with products designed specifically for smaller businesses offering advice and exclusive Expo deals and discounts.

From telecoms to transit vans, pensions to payment terminals, fintech to funding, the Business Expo has it all – and it’s completely free to

enter.We’re showcasing

dedicated open-access areas for pensions and auto enrolment advice, legal, tax and insurance plus money-saving deals on your energy bills, business vehicles and a host of other services and benefits.

Better still, why not join in as a new exhibitor? We have a range of exhibiting options and a special FSB member discount available.

Registration is quick and easy – just go to the website at www.fsbexpo.com to reserve your place and learn more about what’s on offer for you at the Expo.

FSB BUSINESS EXPO 2016: BIGGER THAN EVER!

THE CONFERENCE VENUE IN GLASGOW

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With more cyber attacks hitting the headlines than ever before, and with increased pressure from the supply chain for small businesses to keep their data secure, 2016 looks to be the year that businesses can no longer afford complacency when it comes to cyber security.

Cyber Streetwise, the campaign encouraging small businesses to adopt crucial, but simple, behaviours to protect their digital lives, has been consulting with business leaders at the recent Cyber Streetwise Forum on the importance of making cyber security a core part of business strategy in the coming year.

Carla Baker, Senior Government Affairs Manager at Symantec, said: “We have seen an increase in malware targeting mobile devices.

“However, people often don’t transfer their thinking around how they behave on a laptop or computer to how they use their mobile devices.

“Remember, that just because you can’t see your data being hacked or malware attacking your machine that doesn’t mean

it is not happening.” Despite this need to improve best practice when it comes to online security, the forum revealed that it is now perhaps harder than ever before for SMEs to navigate what can often seem a highly complex and intangible subject.

According to the forum, small businesses should start by taking simple steps.

Emma Philpott, who runs IASME, a small business that is an accreditation body for the Cyber Essentials standard, said: “Many small businesses think cyber security is scary and they don’t know where to go so they don’t do anything. If you can do one thing better today, you’ll be more secure than you were yesterday.”

Cyber Streetwise is encouraging small businesses to do three simple things to improve their online security, make your passwords stronger with three random words, install security software on all devices and always download the latest software updates

For more information on how to protect your business online visit www.cyberstreetwise.com

ARE YOU DOING ENOUGH TO PROTECT THE BUSINESS?

FSB Key achievements from Small Business Saturday:· 75 per cent of councils took part, up from 50 per cent· £623m spend on the day with small businesses, up £119m· 100,000 Tweets sent with a reach of over 25 million people· Trended at No 1 all day with #SmallBizSatUK trended globally at No 1· Bus tour: FSB’s support of the Small Business Saturday bus tour was commended by prominent tweeters such as @businessgov (81,415 followers) and @SmallBizSatUK’s (27,036 followers). Taking the example of the Olympic Torch, we replicated the concept with virtual baton handovers on Twitter. The tour started in Scotland and ended in Truro in November and this sparked social media activity.· Smallbus100 campaign: Around a quarter of the 100 businesses selected by SBS to profile during the campaign were FSB members following promotion by FSB regions. · Small Business Saturday was a leading theme within FSB content, increasing exposure of the #ibacksmallbusiness (1,283 posts) and #smallbizsatuk (1,178 posts) hashtags.

Make your business count by joining FSB’s Big Voice digital research community and have your say on the issues affecting your business.

Why sign up? FSB uses the accumulated data to gain an insight into the needs of the business

community, then uses it when lobbying.

Primary evidence: our experiences, count. We really can create change for better legislation for business.

Information from Big Voice forms the basis

of our discussions with MPs, Ministers and The Prime Minister, helping Government to understand how businesses operate.

Together we can make change happen.

See www.fsbbigvoice.com

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY IN A NUTSHELL

THE BIG VOICE: MAKING CHANGE HAPPEN

REGIONAL OFFICERS

Please look at the website www.fsb.org.uk/cornwall for full details of the committee.

Chairman & National Councillor Adrian Penter Tel: 01503 221104 Vice Chairman Mary Chester Rhind E: pennantponysanctuary@aol.co.uk Vice Chairman Carol Andrew Tel: 01872 572940 Treasurer Clive Kidman Tel: 01579 370297 SecretaryEdward Chapman Tel: 01288 350646