In previous columns I have mentioned the fact that small businesses make up the vast majority of enterprises in the UK.

By quite some margin too, as more than 99 per cent of the UK’s businesses employ less than 250 staff – which means they are classed as small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs). It’s the same story locally, because according to Government statistics, in Worcestershire no fewer than 27,160 of the County’s 27,260 registered businesses are SMEs too.

With such overwhelming numbers, it is vitally important that the needs and aspirations of SMEs are fully taken account of by policy makers and politicians.

It is fitting then, that this week – and in the middle of the party conference season – the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has itself taken steps to be more open, democratic and representative. It has launched a social media campaign called #BeMoreFSB, which aims to encourage the widest possible participation of its members. Plus, it is introducing online nominations and voting to elect members to official positions within the organisation.

Through these measures, FSB is adopting an accessible and inclusive approach that should help to increase the diversity and experience of its elected officials.

This is important for a couple of reasons. Firstly because FSB is a grassroots organisation. Therefore the active participation of local members is needed to help shape policies and decisions which could have a direct impact on their day to day operations.

Secondly, FSB represents members from almost every business sector and every area within the UK. So, it is only fitting that the organisation encourages as broad a cross-section as possible to get involved – so that they can represent the views of small businesses everywhere.

I hope that our members in Worcestershire take this opportunity to help shape the FSB, its policies and its campaigns. That way they will help to ensure that the organisation supports the county’s 27,160 small businesses even more effectively in the future.