Why I'm getting behind The Big Help Out, and you should too

I’m thrilled that FSB’s small business and self-employed members are supporting The Big Help Out – the UK’s biggest volunteering event, taking place 7-9 June - once more. Last year, as part of The Coronation, The Big Help Out was launched. It’s a nationwide campaign that helps millions of people, including FSB members, volunteer via a website and app populated by tens of thousands of charities. Of the 2,000 or so firms that participated, smaller firms made up the vast majority.

That’s no huge surprise to me, as FSB Westminster (Federation of Small Businesses) research shows that small business community engagement is extensive across the UK, with 80 per cent of our members volunteering and/or giving to a local community organisation or charitable cause. Despite their day-to-day pressures, many smaller firms are committed to using their resources, skills and time in giving back to their local community. This important community role became clear during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. By the very earliest stages of the first lockdown, more than half of our members were already playing a huge role in their local communities, directly related to the crisis.

As a grassroots organisation, volunteering is in FSB’s DNA. My own leadership at FSB is a voluntary role. I’m grateful to all the other volunteer members who give their time and expertise to the organisation to make sure FSB remains the leading small business voice representing our members from all sectors and across all nations and regions in the UK.

The Big Help Out is returning this summer and once more has the support of the Federation of Small Businesses and the Royal Household. At the launch, The King declared that “business is a vital part of the fabric of both our local communities and of our wider society.” I think this applies most to small businesses and the self-employed.

Why get involved? There are lots of reasons why you should: connecting to a cause through volunteering inspires employees, raises productivity and retains talent. According to the University of Oxford, volunteering is the only staff wellbeing initiative that works! As a small business owner, you really can make a meaningful difference in the communities in which you operate. It will also help you to impress customers and investors and attract talent, as all notice connections to good causes. It will improve trust in your brand, and your activity will be showcased to thousands of other businesses! You will also have fun. You’ll love it.

So, have a look through the new FSB/The Big Help Out business pack , get involved, and build on the vital work in communities that so many of you already do.