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The significance of British Business 2000 - the major new exhibition hosted by the Federation of Small Businesses for growing enterprises in London last month - was not lost on either political parties. From Chancellor Gordon Brown MP, who opened the first day of the exhibition and followed on day two of the exhibition by Alan Duncan MP, Shadow Technology spokesman, both parties rallied to the cause of the small business sector.

The Chancellor toured British Business 2000 and spent nearly an hour visiting as many exhibitors as possible, including a business from his own constituency - Uptown Girl Shoes. This major shoe business was also awarded the first prize for the best FSB member stand. The Chancellor also paid a key visit to the show's sponsors, Cobweb Solutions, which used British Business 2000 as a launch pad for its Internet environment of dynamic online tools.

The Chancellor visited the FSB Information Network where a panel of experts had been assembled to offer free advice on a range of the most common problems besetting today's growing business. In addition to the Hospital and Medical Care Association (HMCA) offering advice on benefit plans, private healthcare and personal accident cover and Alex Lawrie Factors advising visitors on cashflow management and debt recovery, the FSB used British Business 2000 to launch its new FSB Telecoms Service which promises members greater savings on fixed line services - up to 50 per cent - and mobile services with free connection, low cost peak calls, free handsets and free itemised billing. Warren Hill was offering advice on insurance issues and Abbey Legal Protection provided free down-the-line advice.

December 2000 | January 2001

Chancellor, Gordon Brown opens British Business 2000 flanked by FSB Vice Chairman, Peter Smith (left) and John Emmins.

Also on day one of the exhibition, Referenceline announced a new partnership with Hampshire County Council's Business Standards Partnership. Referenceline offers an online service that helps consumers to identify reputable firms by publishing comments from customers at www.referenceline.com.

Day two of the exhibition commenced with the show's opening by Alan Duncan MP, Shadow Technology spokesman, who criticised the current Government's stance on new business. He also toured the exhibition and spent time visiting a significant number of exhibitors from the 150 or so stands.

Of particular significance on the second day was a launch by Investors in People - a sponsor of British Business 2000 - to ensure that the skills and motivation of all employees help their business move forward. Investors in People launched a new competition - 'Tipped for Success' which will seek top tips on business performance from small business managers.

Taking the exhibition as a whole, the main focus of exhibitors at British Business 2000 was design and marketing; business services and consultancy; financial services and information technology. The significant attendance of exhibitors within these categories underlined their vital contribution to small business start-ups and growing businesses. Large companies as well used British Business 2000 to promote services and products tailored specifically for the small and growing business sector.

Full details of exhibitors at the British Business 2000 exhibition is available on the FSB website: www.fsb.org.uk.

For the full article, see pages 30-31 of the December/January 2000 issue of First Voice

Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this magazine, errors and omissions are not the responsibility of the publishers or of the editorial staff. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers or editorial staff. All rights reserved. Unless specifically stated, goods or services mentioned are not formally endorsed by the FSB which does not guarantee or endorse or accept any liability for any goods and/or services featured in this publication.

Copyright NFSE (Sales) Ltd 2000