Julianne Ponan MBE, the CEO of superfood company Creative Nature, has been appointed to the government’s new Small Business Council.
This council includes a select group of UK firms representing the small business sector at the highest level. Today marks the council’s inaugural meeting, where Surrey businesswoman Ponan joins other esteemed small business leaders from across the country.
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Expressing her enthusiasm, Julianne remarked, “I’m very humbled to be invited to be part of this initiative and I hope to be able to make clear the needs of small businesses at the highest level, reminding decision-makers how vital we are to the UK economy.”
The Small Business Council is designed to amplify the voices of SMEs, addressing critical issues such as finance and growth barriers. Chaired by Small Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake, the council works alongside the Prime Minister’s Business Council to provide SMEs with unprecedented access to government.
This initiative underscores the significant role small businesses play in the economy, with 99.9 percent of UK businesses falling into this category, supporting 27 million jobs and generating £4.5 trillion in annual turnover.
Julianne Ponan’s inclusion on the council highlights her significant contributions through Creative Nature, which has become a prominent player in the superfood market, particularly in allergen-free products now stocked by major UK supermarkets.
Minister Hollinrake emphasized the importance of this council, stating, “Small firms are at the heart of our communities and the engine of our economy – which is why the work of this council is so important.
My own experience of working in a small business has given me crucial insights into the problems that SMEs face on a daily basis, from barriers to growth or access to finance. We’re giving small firms a big voice, so they can directly air their concerns to the government without delay.”
The council comprises various small business organizations, including Small Business Britain, the Federation of Small Businesses, and Family Business UK.
Notable members include Environmental Street Furniture, a Northern Ireland-based furniture manufacturer exporting to 27 countries, and D-Drill, a Midlands-based diamond drill specialist involved in major projects like the London Tideway and Silverstone F1 circuit.
FSB Policy Chair Tina McKenzie highlighted the council’s importance, saying, “This new council is important because it will bring what’s happening at the front line of British business, from our 5.5 million small business owners, right into the heart of Government.
Alongside No.10’s existing corporate Business Council, the new body will shine a light on the unique challenges small firms face in areas such as finance, regulation, and skills. FSB is pleased to join it, and we hope to focus on how to reignite economic growth across our community.”
Recently, the government has announced several initiatives to support small businesses, including the Lilac Review with Small Business Britain, aimed at overcoming inequality faced by disabled business owners.
Additionally, the Help to Grow campaign website has been relaunched, providing SMEs with essential resources to grow and scale up, from identifying funding opportunities to offering helpful webinars and business setup guides.
With her appointment to the Small Business Council, Julianne Ponan is poised to bring her expertise and advocacy for small businesses to the forefront, ensuring their critical role in the UK economy is recognized and supported.
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