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We’re at a pivotal point for the future of our high streets. Forward-looking and strong policy interventions are needed to help small firms grow and be successful - and to support them to adapt to a rapidly changing world. Today, we set out a blueprint for the #FutureHighStreet

Met with Jess Phillips this afternoon. Travelling but still working. Discussed all things FSB, retail, high streets and the challenges for businesses with the disruption across the country.

✅ Good to meet Angela Rayner and Jonathan Reynolds with trade unions and other business groups today so we can start working out how to make sure Government employment proposals work for small businesses.

📰 On the front page of today’s @TheTimes, we say that changes to workers’ rights would hit smaller companies, which employ around 60% of the workforce, the hardest. More here 👇 thetimes.com/article/e38ba7…

Met with CEO of British Business Bank to discuss how we drive investment and capital across the UK especially in light of Rachel Reeves plans to open up £7.3BN to encourage investment in key industries.

Met Rachel Reeves today a very open and honest conversation as always with her - discussed economic growth, driving finance into UK bizz, ending late payments via legs, link the EA to NLW and stop the overuse by banks of PGs and reform Biz rates - a lot to do !!

What a gig last night!

Met today with Justin Madders the new Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets. Discussed through real examples of how small business demand for labour changes and how best to manage it with the make work pay agenda.

Popped into my Alma Mater Ulster University Business School to chair a panel with ASET. Spotted this lovely tribute to recruitment industry legend James Kilbane. Beautiful artwork provided by his talented wife Paula. Honoured to be carrying on his legacy of Grafton through Staffline Recruitment Ireland

Guidance for graduates from all sectors available Staffline Recruitment Ireland

🎂 At FSB, we're celebrating 50 years of supporting small businesses and the self-employed. Our policy chair, Tina McKenzie MBE, 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! 🎉

Thank you Kate Nicholl 👏👏

Thank for your support Naomi Long MLA 🙌

Peaceful night here ⁦Belfast City Airport⁩ after noisy fun Board meeting ⁦Staffline Recruitment Ireland⁩ - now my night job ⁦Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)⁩ studying before my ⁦UK Prime Minister⁩ 8am meeting with ⁦Angela Rayner⁩ discussing impacts of new proposed legislation on UK bizz

And out

Prepping for Times Radio discussion on the main stories today Assisted Dying, Ukraine, Economy and Labour stance, and many more stories. Tune in at 11.30am.

Good to meet again with Jonathan Reynolds and taking the time to get zero hours contracts legislation right. It’s complex therefore consultation continues which is very important in a market where we have 1 million vacancies, low unemployment and millions economically inactive.

A reception tonight @ No 11. Many thanks for the invite Rachel Reeves the female entrepreneurs in the room were truly inspirational.