21.11.06
New chair for Federation of Small Businesses

Barbara Ellenbroek has been appointed new chair of the Cornwall Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

Barbara takes over from Carol Wells, who was the first woman to be appointed Cornwall FSB chair.

Barbara said: "I joined the FSB in 1997, as many people do, for the security of the benefits such as the Legal Helpline. Having never been self-employed prior to 1997 I soon realised how frustrating it is when laws are changed or passed which seem to do nothing but put obstacles in the way of the smooth running of my business.

"Having voiced my frustration about this at an FSB meeting, I was soon invited to become more actively involved in the FSB. From this point on I have become more involved.

"I have represented the FSB on both local and regional groups such as the West Cornwall Local Strategic partnership (West Cornwall Together), the West Cornwall Community Safety Partnership, the West Cornwall Business Network, the Cornwall Business Partnership, the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Economic Forum and the South West SkillSmart Retail Steering Group.

"I strongly believe that local businesses are an integral part of local communities, and that a strong and prosperous businesses community is vital to the economic and social well-being of Cornwall. Working in partnership with the Objective One office has already produced some fantastic results such as actnow broadband for Cornwall's businesses, and I look forward to working with them on continuing to drive forward the Cornish Economy for Cornish Businesses."

Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Objective One Partnership, said: "The FSB has been a leading voice in the Objective One Programme from its inception. Via former chairs Richard Newman and Carol Wells it has championed the Programme amongst businesses in many ways. The FSB was and is instrumental in the creation and success of actnow – the project that has meant a large percentage of high speed broadband take up amongst businesses."

Carol Wells added: "I am absolutely delighted that Barbara is taking over from me at the regional AGM. As I move on to concentrate more on national duties within the Federation, I am confident that the local membership will be clearly represented by Barbara's tremendous energy, experience and common sense. She doesn't need wishes of good luck, but she has my sincere good wishes for a very enjoyable chairmanship."

Married with one daughter and two grandsons, Barbara lives in Redruth where she also runs the family business (Arts & Graphics) with her husband Gerald. She is a Redruth Town Councillor and a member of the CPR Urban Regeneration Company Board. She has also worked for Marks & Spencer (13 years) and C&A (five years), been a chambermaid, a barmaid and a call centre operator for BT.

For further information please contact Clare Morgan, Media Relations Manager for the Objective One Partnership Office on 01872 223439 or email cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk.

Editor's notes:

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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