Volunteer Champions honoured by the FSB

A GROUP of enthusiastic small business owners from the West, who have stepped up to support their fellow businesses during the Covid crisis, have been honoured by Britain’s biggest business representation group.

The Federation of Small Businesses launched its first-ever national Volunteer Champions awards programme to recognise the contribution small business owners have made to support FSB in its work to help and promote the SME community throughout the past year.

The West FSB Volunteer Champions selected were: Alison North (Pewsey, Wiltshire), Ken Simpson (Bristol), Rowsonara Begum (Salisbury), John Mayer (Westonsuper-Mare), Lorraine Turton (Martock, Somerset), Richard Dalziel (Tetbury, Gloucestershire), Mark Owen (Gloucester), Iain Wallis (Devizes), Lee Nathan (Bristol), Karen Ferris (Marlborough), Russell Warner (Stroud) and three from Dorset – Alex Smith, Andrew Davis and Darren Northeast. A special award for her lengthy service was also give to Mary Webb from Salisbury.

They were all honoured at a virtual awards ceremony which saw more than 120 FSB members recognised for their efforts in various categories, including policy work, events, media support or membership sales help.

One of those saluted – FSB regional chairman Lee Nathan, whose business has offices in both Bristol and Plymouth – said he was delighted to have been recognised along with the many other volunteers in this region who had gone the extra mile for their fellow SMEs during a very challenging year.

“It was a very enjoyable event, attended by many key stakeholders, and it showed again just how many FSB members across the South West and beyond have stepped up to the plate and tried to ensure we do everything we can to help fellow business owners to get all the information, support and advice they need at this critical time. It is a source of real pride to see what a passionate group of volunteers we have at FSB.”

FSB‘s national chairman, Mike Cherry, said: “Despite the most challenging of times, our volunteers, all of whom run their own small businesses, have come forward and given their time to be part of FSB and help their local business communities. The approach and support offered by staff and volunteers alike is one of FSB’s key and unique strengths and has been vital in helping small businesses and the selfemployed to get through this extraordinarily difficult period. I am delighted to see our volunteer team receive a well-deserved thank you for their amazing levels of support.”