Everything all right now as Paul Rogers takes the reins at FSB

THE small business community of Coventry and Warwickshire will be widely consulted for its support on future devolution plans for the West Midlands, one of the architects of the scheme has said.

Martin Reeves, CEO at Coventry City Council, told the Coventry and Warwickshire Federation of Small Businesses that engaging with the business community was vitally important for the future of a devolved region.

He also told the FSB’s annual meeting that tough conversations would need to be had in the future regarding supplementary business rates.  

The conference, which was held at Stoneleigh Abbey House, also saw the election of a new chairman – Paul Miles Rogers, of Bottomley and Co Finance Recovery, based in Rugby.

Rogers takes over the reins from Ian O’Donnell, who has been chairman for the last four years and who will remain an active member of the body, serving as vice-chairman and national councillor.

Rogers said: “I am delighted to be elected at the new chairman for the region and thank Ian for representing us so well over the last four years.

“There are 37,740 small firms in the sub-region that employ less than 50 people; this represents 98% of all firms in Coventry, Warwickshire & Solihull.  During my term in office I am committed to putting the issues faced by small firms centre stage.”

He said it was vitally important that small businesses had a chance to network and hear from expert speakers about the issues that affect them directly. This was why the conference had proved so useful.

“We were thrilled to have had expert speakers at our conference who all fully engaged with, and appreciated, the impact small businesses have on our economy,” he said.