Ofcom chief to address smaller firms in Glasgow
Ofcom chief to address smaller firms in Glasgow
Sharon White, Chief Executive of telecoms regulator Ofcom, will address the Federation of Small Businesses’ (FSB) National Conference at Glasgow’s SECC on 18 March.
Ms White will speak to over 800 small business owners from throughout the UK, joining an impressive line-up of top level speakers from across the political spectrum and leading business people.
Sharon White’s appearance at the event follows Ofcom’s recent landmark review into the UK’s telecoms network. The publication highlights that poor rural connectivity is a particular problem in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Sharon White, Ofcom Chief Executive, said: “Today’s small businesses increasingly depend on fast, affordable broadband and phone services. So Ofcom is working as a priority to improve communications for business customers right across the UK. I want to update FSB members on progress in areas such as broadband speeds, and explain how we intend to improve quality of service across the telecoms industry.”
Sandra Dexter, the FSB’s National Vice-Chair, said: “Entrepreneurs from across the UK will be keen to hear from Ofcom. Not only is Sharon White one of the most powerful and impressive figures in the UK digital economy, but there are few issues as important to smaller businesses as broadband connectivity.”
FSB’s National Conference and Expo is taking place on 17-19 March at the SECC in Glasgow with Scottish journalist Kirsty Wark hosting the event. Attendees will be able book into expert seminar sessions looking at issues like cyber security, upcoming landmark pension changes and social media.
With more than 1000 people likely to attend over the weekend, the event will bring a major boost to Glasgow’s economy. Chancellor George Osborne spoke to the same event in Birmingham in 2015.
For the first time, business owners who are not FSB members are being invited to attend for free. It costs from £130 to become a member of FSB – though there will be a special discount for business owners who sign up over the weekend.
Andy Willox, FSB’s Scottish Policy Convenor, said: “2016 is a very important year for UK small firms – with a referendum on Europe, big changes to the law regarding pensions, the introduction of the UK Government’s living wage, and digital technologies continuing to transform how business is conducted.
“For these reasons, entrepreneurs from across Scotland can’t afford to miss out on our huge event for smaller businesses. I would like to extend the warmest of invitations to everyone with an interest in Scotland’s real economy to grab a spot.”
More details of the event can be found at FSBexpo.com