WINTER 2022 ROUND-UP Growing together The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has launched a new digital resources hub, Lets Grow Business Together, to support and encourage LGBT+ entrepreneurship, and promote inclusivity in the workplace. The online hub features first-hand insights from LGBT+ small business owners, some of whom started their own firm to feel more comfortable being themselves and avoid the risk of discrimination at work. ROUND-UP Research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development has found that 40% of LGBT+ workers and more than half (55%) of trans workers have experienced workplace conflict and harassment, compared with 29% of heterosexual, cisgender employees. A study by the Government Equalities Office also found that nearly a fifth (19%) of LGBT+ employees had not been open about their sexual orientation or gender identity with colleagues at the same or lower level, rising to 30% with senior colleagues and 57% with customers or clients. FSBs chief of external affairs, Craig Beaumont, who features in OUTstandings list of the UKs Top 100 LGBT+ executives, said: It is a sad reality that barriers, discrimination and subconscious bias are still faced by many in the LGBT+ community. The intention of the Lets Grow Business Together digital hub and our new national LGBT+ business networking events is to support, celebrate and encourage LGBT+ entrepreneurship, as well as provide guidance for small firms more generally on ensuring they are, and remain, inclusive businesses. Backed by the governments equalities minister, the hub also has useful lessons for non-LGBT+ entrepreneurs thinking about making their workspaces more LGBT+ friendly. In addition, it highlights the FSBs campaign to end barriers faced by some LGBT+ focused businesses in finding appropriate business insurance, and has downloadable resources for small firms to communicate that they are an LGBT+ friendly business. Credit: Karen Woolley, development manager, Federation of Small Businesses Image: iStock.com / gorodenkoff Ready to Launch Small firms make up the vast majority of businesses in the UK, but are underrepresented in international trade. ROUND-UP Research by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has shown that one in five of its members exports and 16 per cent are part of exporters supply chains. This demonstrates the significant contribution small businesses make to the UKs role in the global economy but there is huge potential for them to contribute more. The FSBs research has also identified barriers that deter small businesses from exporting including finding overseas customers and navigating foreign regulations. Since Brexit, many small UK firms that trade with the EU have had to become familiar with customs processes for the first time. Although they are working hard to adjust to the new trading relationship, many have experienced disruption and additional costs, with a significant number choosing to stop exporting, either permanently or temporarily. As businesses look beyond the postpandemic recovery, an FSB report Ready to Launch sets out recommendations for policymakers to help foster a new culture of exporting among the UKs smallest businesses. These include everything from the creation of a new, central digital hub for expertise, best practice and resources, to new flexible funding that small firms can use to access tailored help that suits their business and their prospective new market. More information and support is available for small businesses wishing to deal in international trade, and specifically for businesses based in the West Midlands. Credit: Karen Woolley, development manager, Federation of Small Businesses Image: iStock.com / shaunl Anonymous Hotline For further information, please contact your local Trading Standards Service For up-to-date news stories and information, follow us on 0300 303 2636 Is your sector being undermined by unscrupulous traders operating outside the law? Report them via Trading Standards Anonymous Hotline or online and help level the playing field for honest businesses.