The South West branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has been named as the organisation’s best and most effective in the UK in recognition of its lobbying and member engagement.
The region, which stretches from Gloucestershire to Cornwall – and the team behind it – were presented with the inaugural ‘Region of the Year’ title at the recent FSB Members Volunteer Conference in London.
To land the award, the team beat off a challenge from 11 other FSB regions from across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
FSB national chairman Mike Cherry presented the award to the team, who represent nearly 24,000 small business owners, entrepreneurs and the self-employed across the South West.
He said: “It’s only through dedicated FSB volunteers at the UK’s grassroots, like the South West team, that the small business voice can be harnessed and heard as we step into an exciting – yet challenging – new decade.”
The FSB in the South West recently elected a new chairman, Bristol-based Lee Nathan, and he collected the award on the night alongside outgoing chairman Roger Tarrant, who now sits on the FSB’s National Council.
Mr Nathan said he was thrilled for the whole team.
“I am delighted that the FSB South West has managed to win the prestigious, first-ever FSB ‘Region of the Year’ title in recognition of the great work our team of volunteers and staff do on behalf of our members,” he said.
“All across the South West we see examples of the passion and enthusiasm our team has to support, involve and represent our members and the small business community as a whole and this award will really encourage everyone to keep on fighting for the voice of SMEs to be heard.”
The South West team was recognised for their policy work in areas such as the environment, education and skills plus their successful council ‘Small Business Friendly’ awards, their work with MPs and other stakeholders and their extensive range of events including very successful FSB Connect networking meetings.
Pictured: The South West FSB team celebrate their Region of the Year award
