The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has appointed Ann Scott as its new Development Manager for Essex.
The move bolsters the East of England regional team at FSB, seeing her working alongside fellow Development Managers Candy Richards (Norfolk/Suffolk), and Jade Uko (Bedfordshire/Hertfordshire/Cambridgeshire).
Ann joins FSB with a 20-year career spanning the criminal justice system, local authorities and charities. Most recently, Ann was an Account Director for a PR Agency and a Communications Officer supporting those wounded in military service.
Her experience includes marketing, social media, volunteer support, fundraising, policy development and events.
Commenting on her new role, Ann Scott said: “I’m privileged to call the beautiful county of Essex my home, so I’m looking forward to speaking for and to the many incredible businesses we have here. Living and working in Essex means that I should be able to garner an authentic picture of the business landscape in this region to help facilitate growth and support needed from government.”
She continued: “With family and friends who run their own businesses, I’ve seen first- hand the devastating impact the triple shock of Brexit, covid and the war in Ukraine has had. Now, not only are small firms facing the increased cost of doing business, but their owners are facing their own cost of living crisis too.
“The small business community is the beating heart of our economy, and we must help it to survive to avoid a recession. I chose to work for FSB as I’ve seen the tangible difference the organisation has already made to small businesses, and I believe that FSB is in a strong position to help achieve this.”
David Bell, FSB East of England Regional Chair and Founder and CEO of Simboc Ltd, added: “We are delighted to welcome Ann to FSB. Ann brings with her a wealth of experience supporting small businesses and working with central Government, local authorities and other key stakeholders. Her arrival to the organisation is perfect timing to highlight the plight of small businesses who are under the cosh, struggling with recovery from the pandemic, skills and labour shortages and the rising cost of running a business. We look forward to seeing Ann fly the flag for Essex SMEs.”
Ann’s first networking event, an afternoon tea which is open to members and non- members, will be on Wednesday 22 September 2022 from 15.00pm to 17.00pm in Clacton-on-Sea.
The event is a great opportunity to meet with like-minded entrepreneurs, self-employed people and small business owners, to network, collaborate, promote services and support each other in the Essex area. To sign up, visit: https://www.fsb.org.uk/event- calendar/essex-virtual-networking-22ndsept22.html
As experts in business, FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in government. The Development Manager role is crucial in ensuring that its members get the very best out of their membership and in representing the views of the small business community in Essex.
