Julianne Ponan MBE, CEO of the superfood brand Creative Nature, has been appointed to the government’s newly formed Small Business Council.
The council brings together a select group of leading UK entrepreneurs to represent small businesses at the highest level. The first official meeting takes place today, where Surrey businesswoman Ponan joins other influential voices from across the country.
Sharing her excitement, Julianne said, “I’m truly honored to join this initiative and hope to clearly communicate the challenges and needs of small businesses to those in power, emphasizing how crucial we are to the UK economy.”
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The Small Business Council aims to strengthen the representation of SMEs and tackle key challenges such as access to finance and barriers to growth.
Led by Small Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake, the council works alongside the Prime Minister’s Business Council to give small firms direct access to government decision-makers.
This initiative recognizes the essential role small businesses play in the economy, accounting for 99.9 percent of UK enterprises, supporting 27 million jobs, and generating £4.5 trillion annually.
Julianne’s appointment reflects her impactful leadership at Creative Nature, a pioneering superfood company known for its allergen-free range now stocked by major UK retailers.
Minister Hollinrake emphasized the council’s importance, stating, “Small businesses are at the heart of our communities and the driving force of our economy, which is why this council’s work is so vital.
Having worked in a small business myself, I understand the daily challenges owners face, from funding issues to growth barriers. We want small firms to have a strong voice and direct communication with government.”
The council features key small business organizations, including Small Business Britain, the Federation of Small Businesses, and Family Business UK.
Other notable members include Environmental Street Furniture, a Northern Ireland-based manufacturer exporting to 27 countries, and D-Drill, a Midlands firm specializing in diamond drilling and contributing to major projects such as London Tideway and the Silverstone F1 circuit.
FSB Policy Chair Tina McKenzie highlighted the significance of the new council, saying, “This initiative will bring real insights from 5.5 million small business owners directly into government discussions
Alongside the Prime Minister’s Business Council, this group will focus on the unique challenges faced by small firms in finance, regulation, and skills. The FSB is proud to be part of this and will work to drive economic growth across the sector.”
Recently, the government introduced several new measures to support small businesses, including the Lilac Review with Small Business Britain, designed to address the barriers faced by disabled entrepreneurs.
Additionally, the Help to Grow campaign website has been relaunched, offering practical tools for SMEs to expand, such as funding guidance, webinars, and startup resources.
Through her role on the Small Business Council, Julianne Ponan aims to amplify the voices of small business owners nationwide, ensuring their contributions to the UK economy are recognized and supported at every level.
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