Development Manager representing over 4,000 SMEs in Greater Manchester. Tweeting business info, events, and news in the area. #FSBMCR @fsb_policy @FSB_voice
Manchester, UK
Joined October 2011
- Tweets11K
- Following3.8K
- Followers4K
- Likes2.2K
Robert Downes retweeted
FSB members warmly welcomed to catch up with the @FSBManchester team and take advantage of great networking opportunities at #ManchesterBizFair Weds 15 July Mercure Bolton Georgian House Hotel Free to visit - lots of great features - Exhibit from £275+VAT manchesterbizfair.co.uk/
Robert Downes retweeted
💭 FSB's @tinamckenz spoke about the importance of tackling late payments, helping small high street firms to thrive, and creating an environment where all small businesses can succeed, as she introduced the Prime Minister, @Keir_Starmer, at an event to unveil the Government's new Small Business Plan ⤵️
ALT FSB's Tina McKenzie speaks at an event, introducing the Prime Minister Keir Starmer (second from left) and Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds (left) as they announce the Government's new Small Business Plan.
Robert Downes retweeted
💬Small business owners - we want your views in our latest Small Business Index #SBI survey for Q2 2025.
🗣️Sharing your experience helps us make sure policymakers know how their decisions are affecting the small business community.
🔗Take the survey now: about.fsbbigvoice.uk/SBIQ220…
Robert Downes retweeted
🆕 SMALL SUPPLIERS - We've launched a major new survey on #procurement, and we need your insight.
💡 Whether you currently supply to the public sector, private sector, or are thinking about bidding for future contracts, we want to hear from you.
Your views will shape our recommendations to government and buyers across the UK.
Take the survey 🔗 unbrandedfsbbigvoice.uk/c/r/…
Robert Downes retweeted
💡If you're self-employed or an employer, you're able to claim a range of tax reliefs and allowances from HMRC.
✅ According to our research, a lot of small business owners are unaware of the tax reliefs available to them.
Take a look at the guidance to see what you're entitled to claim 🔗 gov.uk/guidance/tax-reliefs-…
Robert Downes retweeted
📻 FSB's @MMcTagueFSB tells @BBCr4today that with 92% of employers concerned about the upcoming Employment Rights Bill, it's vital the Government listens to small employers and curbs plans to introduce unfair dismissal from day one, protecting jobs and stimulating growth 👇
Robert Downes retweeted
🎄This Christmas, supporting our high street is more crucial than ever.
🛍️Now, we need to look forward at how we can create more pop-ups so there’s less empty shops and what local mayors can do to revive our high streets.
FSB’s @craigie_b on @BBCBreakfast this morning ⬇️
Robert Downes retweeted
💼 What does the #Budget2024 mean for SMEs?
We've pulled together a list of the most important need-to-know measures announced in the #AutumnBudget that affect small firms, and what they could mean for small business owners.
Take a look 👇
🔗 linkedin.com/pulse/analysis-…
Robert Downes retweeted
🆕 The Government's Make Work Pay Bill is a rushed job, clumsy and poorly planned.
It will deter small firms from taking on new people, which is bad news for jobs and a barrier to growth and investment.
More here 🔗 fsb.org.uk/resources-page/ma…
ALT A quote from FSB Policy Chair Tina McKenzie saying: "This legislation lacks any real pro-growth element and will increase economic inactivity, seriously jeopardising the Government’s own 80 per cent employment target." The quote text is on the right of the graphic and is white against a dark blue background. There is a picture of Tina McKenzie to the left of the quote text.
Robert Downes retweeted
Help us to improve journeys in Manchester! 🚌
We’ve teamed up with @ManCityCouncil and want to hear the experiences of people who travel around Manchester, including to and from the city centre, with a focus on catching the bus, walking, wheeling and cycling.
Complete our online survey between Monday 23 September 23 and Sunday 20 October to have your say: bit.ly/4gENgdG
ALT IMAGE: Help us to improve journeys in Manchester!
Robert Downes retweeted
When you're a small business owner and can’t decide which insurance you need to protect your business. 🤯
Don’t let confusion hold you back! At FSB Insurance Service, we’re here to guide you through your insurance choices.
Call us today at 020 3883 7976 for personalised advice!
Robert Downes retweeted
Say hello to today's member Natalie Barker, founder of M&M Business Support, a virtual assistant service👋 Natalie is a reliable multi-skilled individual with a keen eye for detail and a passion for providing solutions!
You can find more of Natalie here 🔗mmbusinesssupport.co.uk
Robert Downes retweeted
Introducing Eagles Wings Consultancy, today's member Monday spotlight 🦅
After being diagnosed with a brain injury, John McDonald founded @EWConsultancy to assist other businesses to understand & engage with disability in the workplace. Find out more 👉 eagleswingsconsultancy.co.uk…
Robert Downes retweeted
📈 We told @BBCBreakfast that many small businesses are still feeling the squeeze of increased input costs - especially in the hospitality sector.
💡 That's why our #SmallBusinessManifesto lays out a blueprint for whichever party wins the #GeneralElection2024 to kickstart economic recovery and drive growth for small firms.
Robert Downes retweeted
Thank you to our final speaker of the day, Amanda Daniels-Allen from Koogar Ltd, for delivering such an engaging and informative session. I'm sure we've all learnt something that we can action straight away 🚀🚀 #FSBbootcamp @FSBManchester @FSBMerseyside
Robert Downes retweeted
Session four saw seven steps for creating a powerful benefit statement to truly differentiate your business from the competition delivered by Chris Booth from McKellen's Masterclasses #FSBbootcamp @FSBLancsCumbria @FSBManchester
Robert Downes retweeted
#FSBbootcamp @FSBMerseyside @FSBManchester @FSBLancsCumbria actions for a successful #pitch #60secondpitch from @JessGrocutt of @NatWestBusiness
Robert Downes retweeted
We hope your enjoying this action-packed day, now it's time to recharge, ready for the afternoon of learning with delicious street food #FSBbootcamp @FSBMerseyside @FSBManchester
