British Business Bank Chairman to play key role at FSB Policy Conference
Ron Emerson, Chairman of the British Business Bank will take part at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) first Policy Conference later this month.
Mr Emerson, recently appointed to the institution, will discuss growth in the UK economy and listen to views on how the British Business Bank can best help the UK's 4.9 million small firms to achieve their aspirations.
The FSB has said the British Business Bank should learn lessons from the Small Business Administration (SBA) in the United States. The SBA's main focus is on helping small firms access the finance they need to grow: by 2011 its loan portfolio was worth over $80 billion, ensuring US firms got funds during the credit crunch, thereby securing an early recovery in the US economy. The SBA also brings together key functions such as export advice, public procurement and combines them into one powerful body for small firms.
Hosted by FSB National Policy Chairman, Mike Cherry, attendees to the Conference include senior Cabinet Ministers, leading entrepreneurs, and Karen Mills. Ms Mills served as the head of the Small Business Administration from 2009 until August 2013, and was appointed by US President Barack Obama as a key member of his Cabinet. Flying over specifically for the Conference Ms Mills will contribute to economic debates.
Mike Cherry, National Policy Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses, said:
"We have a strong line-up of speakers to contribute to the much-needed debate on enterprise policy. We need small firms to be part of the plan to build and sustain the recovery. With the Conference happening just days after the latest growth figures are due to be announced, it will be a crucial point to discuss how Government can best help small firms to continue to grow."
