Partner Article

Tees Valley business leader appointed in key FSB innovation role

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has appointed leading Tees Valley business figure Chris McDonald as Policy Chair for Innovation and Enterprise.

The CEO of the Materials Processing Institute, a leading research and innovation centre, will be responsible for supporting SMEs and promoting FSB’s work concerning innovation diffusion and the sharing of public research and R&D investment, which can boost productivity and benefit the wider economy.

Mr McDonald has already overseen and driven the Materials Processing Institute’s SME Technology Centre work with SMEs and entrepreneurs. The Centre regularly hosts events, seminars and workshops to support supply chain businesses from across a number of sectors, as well as entrepreneurs.

The Materials Processing Institute is also a Delivery Partner for both the Innovate Tees Valley and Tees Valley Business Compass Start Up programmes, which are part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and provide SME support and promote entrepreneurialism.

Chris McDonald said: “The SME business community is a key contributor to the economy and it is vitally important that SMEs are afforded sufficient public and government support. I am delighted to take up this role with FSB which is the true voice of small businesses and a keen advocate for greater SME connectivity and the sharing of resources.

“FSB is leading the way in terms of innovation diffusion and this is an issue that needs to be addressed so that SMEs are able to gain access to and reap the rewards of public research and funding, in order to unlock their growth potential.”

As experts in business, FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in Government. Its aim is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions.

Mr McDonald added: “I will look to draw upon my experiences and industry knowledge in the role to develop further relationships within the small business community, continuing FSB’s work and driving forward its innovative policies to support SMEs.”

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