New FSB Chairman gets to work for small businesses

The Federation of Small Businesses, Britain’s largest business organisation with 205,000 members, has elected a new Chairman at its National Conference and Annual General Meeting in Belfast.

John Wright, a North East management and training consultant and currently National Vice Chairman, was elected by the FSB membership and will begin his term of office on Sunday 25 March.

The Conference will today hear from Shadow Chancellor George Osborne, DUP Leader Ian Paisley, Sinn Fein’s Mitchell McLaughlin and Small Business Minister Margaret Hodge.

John Wright, FSB National Chairman-elect, said:

“It is an honour to be elected and I thank the membership for their votes. I will repay their trust through hard work and delivering results for them.

“After this week’s Budget it is clear that we have work to do to persuade decision-makers of the vital role that small businesses play in the UK economy. They employ fifty eight per cent of the private sector workforce – twelve million people – and their growth is what drives Britain’s economic success. Their massive contribution is taken for granted far too often. We have to change that situation. That is my priority as I set to work on our members’ behalf.”

Outgoing FSB National Chairman Carol Undy said:

“I’m very pleased to be passing on the baton to John. I know he’ll do a fine job representing small businesses. This is a crucial time for our members and his leadership will be vital to address the many issues that small businesses have to face.”

Notes to Editors:

1. John Wright is a business man from the Teeside and has been a member of the FSB for ten years. He provides training and employment advice to small businesses. Formerly a branch chairman, John is currently FSB Vice Chairman of the North East Region. John serves on several of the FSB’s central decision-making committees and is also active in the voluntary sector, including being Vice Chairman of the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust.

2. The FSB is Britain’s biggest business organisation with over 205,000 members. It exists to protect and promote the interests of the self-employed, and all those who run their own business. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk.