Dear Members and SMEs in our network,
Thank you for your support this year, 2023, as it has allowed us to take even greater strides forward in connecting, promoting and representing you. It has given us the great privilege of being part of your growth and journey. We are excited to share our milestones with you this year.
Meetings coming up…
A round table meeting with Kevin Hollinrake, Small Business Minister, has taken place on 18 January 2023 at DBT offices in London.
We have confirmed an online meeting with Sarah Olney, Lib Dems spokesperson (Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy), on 21 February. Additionally, we have confirmed a meeting with Lord Iain McNicol on 2 February who is from the team of Jonathon Reynolds, Labour, Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade.
Actions taken this past year
- Lobbied government to provide business support urgently to enable the UK to hit future growth and net zero targets through its Manifesto for Change in Enterprise Support. This was launched at the National Enterprise Network’s Annual Conference 2023 where business leaders and influencers across the country united in calling for a national support programme. Find out more here: https://nationalenterprisenetwork.org/manifesto-for-change-in-enterprise-support-to-enable-uk-growth/
- Joined forces with Enterprise Northern Ireland (ENI) for its 2023 Business Barometer, one of the country’s largest surveys of new start-ups and early-stage businesses which demonstrated that 99% of start-ups and small businesses require immediate support. You can read the full survey here: https://nationalenterprisenetwork.org/nen-survey-reveals-99-of-start-ups-and-small-businesses-require-immediate-support/
- Commissioned NEN’s ‘Adding Value Across Enterprise’ Report calling on the government to prioritise enterprise support for the country’s millions of small businesses. Find out more here: https://nationalenterprisenetwork.org/the-national-enterprise-network-launches-report-on-the-value-of-the-sme-economy/
- Inputted on self-employment support and the new prosperity fund report as part of a Select Committee Report which saw NEN featured in the House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee Plan for Jobs and Employment Support. Learn what was said here: https://nationalenterprisenetwork.org/nen-inputs-on-self-employment-support-and-the-new-prosperity-fund-report/
- Highlighted its members’ remarkable contributions to entrepreneurial growth through its annual awards and its summer survey which demonstrated more than 75,000 small and medium-sized businesses benefitted from business advice, knowledge and support from their local enterprise support organisation in a single month. Find out more here: (https://nationalenterprisenetwork.org/nen-highlights-its-members-remarkable-contributions-to-entrepreneurial-growth/
- Contributed to The Leaders Council’s Workforce Of The Future Special Report, which examined the changing nature of the workforce providing valuable insights into its future trajectory. Find out more: https://nationalenterprisenetwork.org/nen-contribute-to-the-leaders-council-workforce-of-the-future-special-report/
- Attended a series of prominent events which reflected the organisation’s vision and values, engaging with stakeholders, industry peers, and potential partners, further solidifying its position as a leading force in fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth. These included The Launch of “Democratising Entrepreneurship 2.0” by the Business & IP Centre (BIPC) and a networking event at the Palace of Westminster. Find details here: https://nationalenterprisenetwork.org/national-enterprises-showcases-continued-dedication-to-its-mission-at-prominent-events/