Christchurch and local Business Groups looking forward to challenges ahead - Vizzit Christchurch Online Magazine

Acquiring pledges from local councils, effective collaboration, increasing membership and raising its profile are key aims for the Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch Branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) for the coming year. The aims were set out by David Ramsden, who was elected as the new Branch Chairman for the coming year at the recent annual general meeting.

“I am pleased and honoured to have been re-elected as chairman of the Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch Branch of the FSB and excited by the challenges of the year ahead. We have approaching 3,000 members in the conurbation and aim to gain further membership and to increase member support to the events we have planned. My fellow committee members are dedicated to the branch and are working hard to ensure we have the Accord signed and adhered to by all three authorities in our catchment area. We will also be looking for initiatives to raise the profile and media awareness of the FSB and our branch,” said Mr Ramsden.

The Small Business Engagement Accord is a new initiative which sees local councils signing up to 14 Accord Principles which promote the importance of listening to the views of small businesses.

“We will be working hard along with partners such as Business Link and local councils to support businesses through the recession and create economic prosperity in our region. As always, the branch officers and I are working to help improve skills by working with the Education Business Partnership and support the apprenticeship schemes from our colleges. 2010 is pushing forward using the lessons learnt from 2009.”