Why a small business manifesto matters – and how you can help!

In May 2024, Greater Manchester will once again embark on a crucial journey, electing a new metro mayor to lead the region towards economic prosperity and growth for the third time. For the bustling entrepreneurial landscape of GM, this presents a unique opportunity to advocate for the smallest of firms, who often find their voices drowned out by the cacophony of larger businesses.

So why a small business manifesto – and what good will it be – I hear you ask?

The significance of a small business manifesto cannot be overstated. It's a platform for the smallest firms in our great city region – made up of all 10 local council areas – to express their concerns, aspirations and needs, and ensures the policies and initiatives proposed by the newly elected metro mayor are indeed required, relevant, and truly reflective of the current small business climate. Essentially, this is an opportunity for small businesses to say what they want and need over the next four years!

Let me give you an example. Our last manifesto, published ahead of the last metro mayor elections in 2021, majored around the Clean Air Zone, and how the CAZ in the format being proposed then, would prove terminal for many small businesses, now. We campaigned tirelessly against the CAZ and were able to do so because through our research we knew what small businesses were saying. We knew the problems the CAZ would cause, and we were aware of changes that could be made to make it less damaging.

And we knew all this because the business community had told us as we prepared are then manifesto. We were armed with the facts, and this is the only place to start when lobbying for change.

Small businesses are the backbone of Greater Manchester's economy, yet their voices are often drowned out by larger corporations. Our small business manifesto provides a unique opportunity for owners of small firms to unite and amplify their collective thoughts through one voice. By participating in the creation of this document, businesses like yours can ensure your concerns and priorities are heard loud and clear in the corridors of power, and by decision makers across the city region.

In a world driven by data and evidence, it's crucial policies and strategies are grounded in real-world experiences. Our manifesto aims to collect insights and opinions directly from small business owners through a short survey that should take just a few minutes to complete.

Your participation in this initiative is essential to ensure the small business voice is heard. Your responses will provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities you face in your day-to-day operations. Use the survey as an opportunity to share your experiences, anecdotes, and ideas. Your firsthand knowledge is invaluable in shaping our manifesto, which in turn helps us lobby for meaningful change.

Next year’s mayoral election presents a golden opportunity for the smallest of firms to make their voices heard and influence the region's economic future in what is likely to be a bumpy period for both businesses and communities. ?The good news is politicians tend to listen more closely when there’s an election in the offing, so now’s a good time to speak up and make asks.

Our short survey will take just a few minutes to complete, and you can complete it HERE .

Be a part of the change, and let's shape a brighter future for small businesses in Greater Manchester.