Arnab Dutt OBE chief executive of Market Harborough manufacturer Dexo Technologies, a member of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership business board and Federation of Small Businesses and sits on the SME advisory panel at the Cabinet Office.
"It is not every day one receives a letter from the Prime Minister.
And even when I did, a few weeks ago, what it told me made me blink a few times.
I would shortly be given an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to small businesses, diversity and equality.
While I was both delighted and humbled, it has also made me reflect on all the tremendous people and organisations I have worked with over the years.
All of them working hard to support the interests of small businesses and also trying to create a society where opportunity is there for everyone.
This is certainly true of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), where I am the 海角视频 Policy Lead for Integration and Partnerships.
FSB represents a hugely diverse range of businesses, across every sector, from sole trader self-employed to owners of businesses with up to 250 employees.
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As part of my role, I continue to build relationships with many diverse business groups that need to be championed and have their voices heard. Especially in the BAME communities.
I have been building links in particular with Asian food, retail and hospitality businesses.
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This part of our small business community faces significant challenges; from increasing cost pressures to finding staff with the correct skills and experience.
These are examples of the type of issues where , to protect its members and the wider small business community.
Over the last year it has won financial help for smaller firms on the high street, seen off a wholesale expansion of the VAT system, secured action to tackle late payments, and proposed improvements to apprenticeships.
In my role as a member of the SME panel at Cabinet Office I advise on social value procurement.
I have been working with government to develop a procurement architecture that drives the target of 33 per cent of all public sector contracts going to SMEs.
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The aim is to provide better value for the public purse through the disruption and innovation small businesses can bring to the table.
More importantly small businesses are at the heart of communities right across the 海角视频, and their value is not just economic.
They provide jobs, around 60 per cent of private sector employment, and they contribute growth to local and national economies.
They are also an integral part of the socio-economic fabric of society and are a force for good.
According to FSB’s recent policy report, “Small Business, Big Heart,” 80 per cent of small business owners surveyed had volunteered or contributed to a local community organisation or charity in the last three years.
I believe given the opportunity they can do even more.
Many small business owners hold positions within their local community; many participate in skills training including apprenticeships and work experience.
They are statistically more likely, than bigger businesses, to recruit an employee from a harder to reach part of the workforce; recognising talent regardless of someone’s background or circumstances.
And so, while I am humbled to receive this honour, I am immensely proud of our 5.6 million strong small 海角视频 business community.
I am inspired to continue working with you all to create a more entrepreneurial ecosystem that works for everyone, providing opportunity for all, promoting social cohesion, sustainability and future proofing our economy."