With any job, you try to invest yourself in the organisation you're working for. But as my organisation, FSB, that I've been part of for seven years (where's the time gone FSB Westminster (Federation of Small Businesses)?!!) celebrates its 50th anniversary, it's one of those rare moments to stand back in amongst being busy and a million things on the list and an overflowing inbox, and think 'yeah, this is why I'm doing this and why I love it'.
I think this video from our fabulous Tina McKenzie MBE sums up how the origins of FSB as a small, grassroots campaigning organisation formed in Blackpool by one motivated self-employed guy back in 1974 are still at its heart half a century on - albeit on a much bigger, UK-wide scale today - and why we do what we do.
We're not talking about a niche part of the economy or society. Sometimes when people think of small businesses they automatically think 'oh, quaint'. But small businesses provide more than 60% of private sector jobs in the UK. It's 5.5 million businesses and 16 million jobs. And within that there are so many AMAZING people and businesses and so much can-do positivity and stuff they do in their communities, or opportunities they provide to people, including those who might be over-looked by big corporates.
As FSB - their national champion - turns 50, I'm actually really proud to be part of THE organisation dedicated specifically to supporting small businesses and the self-employed across all sectors, in every community across the UK. #FSB50 👇
🎂 At FSB, we're celebrating 50 years of supporting small businesses and the self-employed. Our policy chair, Tina McKenzie, takes a look back at how FSB first came about and how we've grown into the influential grassroots organisation that we are today. Here's to the future! #FSB50
Tina McKenzie MBE
We are so honored and so delighted to be in such excellent company. 🤞🏼🏆❤️