Enterprise Nation takes West Midlands entrepreneurs to Downing Street

We took a group of entrepreneurs from the West Midlands to 10 Downing Street this week to meet Daniel Korski, deputy head of policy to prime minster David Cameron.

The meeting was led by our West Midlands Champion Debbie Assinder, founder of  Rodborough Consultancy

Alongside Debbie were:

• Carrie Bates, Little Coffee Bag Co

• Henry Deakin, Deakin and Francis

• Drew Roper, Yamination Studios

• Brian Donnelly, Synapse

• Ian Bluck, Coco Loves

• Imandeep Kaur, Birmingham Impact Hub

• Rosie Ginday, Miss Macaroon

• Timothy Andrews, HollyWood Monster

• Matthew Dredger, Borroclub

• Robert Hallmark, Gruhme

• Robert Bloxham, Orb

• Debra Whitehead,  Debra Hepburn

• Matthew Fowell, Five Rivers

• Wade Lynn, Island Delight

• Siobhan Harper Nunes Shakti Women

• Ben Cook, JC Social Media and Clever Tykes

• Mike Bandar, Turn Partners

• Oojal Singh Jhutti, iWazat

• Chris Brown, Barques PR

Subjects discussed:

Ian Bluck suggested that the government runs a competition in the style of Theo Paphitis' Small Business Sunday competition on Twitter. Business owners could pitch for the chance to provide products and services to a government department.

Matthew Dredger called for more support for sharing economy businesses based outside of London. He referenced a recent government-supported trade mission to the US which was only attended by companies from London and the South East.

Wade Lynn, who has been running his business for 25 years, praised the government's Regional Growth Fund which allowed him to invest in new machinery. On procurement, Lynn said big companies should be encouraged to give a percentage of their contracts to small suppliers. He cited outsourcing and energy services firm MITIE as a good example of a large business which is already does so.

Robert Hallmark, who quit a career in the City to launch his male fragrance company, suggested the government create an income support scheme for new entrepreneurs that would be match funded by local councils. Recipients would be continually assessed to see whether they are committed to running their business.

Henry Deakin, who runs the world's oldest family jewellers, said the company recently applied for its first grant and found there was lots of paperwork involved. He called for ways to make the application process easier. Deakin praised UK Trade & Investment's support for small businesses to attend one trade show but added that for companies to be properly noticed by potential clients they need to attend three trade shows.

Debra Whitehead said the word 'intern' has bad connotations even though in the fashion industry internships are crucial for budding young designers. She suggested the same initiatives introduced for apprenticeships and traineeships could be introduced for interns.

Brian Donnelly praised Innovate UK's funding. He also called for some of the restrictions that prevent small companies from talking publicly about big clients to be lifted. It would be very beneficial for PR and marketing, he said.

Mike Bandar said the government's dividend tax reforms will negatively affect his business. He also called for more support for small companies looking to recruit skilled technology staff, and support for improving the public brand of the West Midlands.

Oojal Singh Jhutti said the cost of train travel in the UK is high so suggested that a discount for small business owners is introduced.

Christopher Brown said there needs to be greater collaboration between small business support groups.

Timothy Andrews praised the Regional Growth Fund and research and development tax credits. He said improvements need to be made to Birmingham's infrastructure, particularly transport.

Robert Bloxham suggested that the government set up a group of small business owners experienced in accessing grants to help those doing it for the first time.

Siobhan Harper Nunes called for a revival of something similar to the Women's Enterprise Directorate to bring together all the support available for female entrepreneurs.

Imandeep Kaur said there needs to be more regional spending by innovation organisations like Nesta. She also called for education in schools around the realities of running a business.

Rosie Ginday suggested that the government introduce a corporation tax break for social enterprises linked to their impact on society.

Carrie Bates said there needs to be more experienced business owners speaking in schools who children can relate to. She said some of the millionaire entrepreneurs featured on TV cannot be related to by children.

Debbie Assinder said: "I was proud to lead the recent delegation of small business owners from the West Midlands to Downing Street. Daniel Korski was most receptive to all of the views expressed. The visit provided a great opportunity for the businesses to share with Daniel the opportunities they saw for their businesses and to suggest constructive ideas that would help the small business sector.

"The delegation represented a broad range of dynamic high growth enterprises from the West Midlands. Particular emphasis was on digital, creative, food and drink and social enterprise. Government can now be in no doubt that the West Midlands Engine is revving and raring to go!"

.@DanielKorski stated time to shine a light on #WestMidland biz. Plenty to shine a light on @e_nation #BigupBrum! pic.twitter.com/jKeaujIdwV

â€" Debbie Assinder (@Debbie_RCL) February 10, 2016

@annaassinder I think @Debbie_RCL was very comfortable at Number 10. pic.twitter.com/KlcHuBwdpR

â€" Chris Brown (@pipedownmrbrown) February 9, 2016

So...this happened today @BartYogart is thinking about his new #career path #politics #animation #10DowningSt pic.twitter.com/aq0TUKShsc

â€" Drew Roper (@YaminationS) February 9, 2016

Awesome catchup with @DanielKorski & co at No10 this afternoon - talking all things #Startup & #Brum! pic.twitter.com/FYLzm8uS2e

â€" Oojal Jhutti (@iamooj) February 9, 2016

Great to meet @DanielKorski yesterday to chat enterprise support with @e_nation and others from the WestMids. pic.twitter.com/cInWcc37vD

â€" Michael Bandar (@Mikebandar) February 10, 2016

Went to Downing Street today to discuss business in the West Midlands with PMs Special Adviser! Thanks @e_nation! pic.twitter.com/kZVNmtll3m

â€" Matthew Fowell (@matthew_fowell) February 9, 2016

Getting up to no good today at Number 10 talking small business with @e_nation and @DanielKorski pic.twitter.com/ODBgRFsUOB

â€" Chris Brown (@pipedownmrbrown) February 9, 2016

Thanks to @DanielKorski for hosting many of us today, to talk challenges & opportunities for business in Birmingham. pic.twitter.com/05AnOk1ILP

â€" Imandeep Kaur (@ImmyKaur) February 9, 2016

Gr8 to meet @DanielKorski @downingstreet with @e_nation #birmingham he wants to borrow a tile cutter! @borroclub pic.twitter.com/taPUO0TsFa

â€" Matt Dredger (@MattDredger) February 9, 2016