The new FSB campaign #ibacksmallbusiness was launched in Westminster this month. I went along with the likes of Business Secretary Vince Cable, Skills and Further Education Minister Matt Hancock and Culture and Digital Economy Minister Ed Vaizey.

It is the result of months of research, comments and case studies from small businesses combined into one business manifesto.

It highlights the five key areas we want the next Government to focus on, so that small businesses can continue to thrive and grow.

They are to deliver a sustained economic recovery, rebalance the economy, deliver high quality jobs and full employment, make all markets work better and to lower the cost of doing business.

Under these five headings come some of the gripes that we hear about from Kent members – that broadband isn’t up to speed, that business rates are unfair and that parking charges put off their customers.

Through the FSB’s consistent, evidence-based lobbying we will continue to persuade MPs and prospective parliamentary candidates (PPCs) that supporting small businesses makes sense.

Kent PPCs will get a copy of the manifesto as we move into campaign mode from now until the General Election in May.

A swish new website backs up the campaign and shows the new direction of the FSB – switched on, social media savvy and shareable. Check it out and join the debate to back small businesses at www.ibacksmallbusiness.com.

As the new chairman of the FSB in Kent and Medway, I’m very proud to say that we are the first region in the country to adopt a new regional structure that is skills and topic based. It is structured with the main aim of promoting and protecting small businesses.

The new team will be responsible for topics that reflect business issues in Kent.

If you’re a small business owner, then follow us on Twitter to see what we are up to.

And of course, if you are not already one of the more than 6,000 FSB members in Kent, then maybe it’s time to join.

Follow @FSBKent or visit www.fsb.org.uk/benefits