The Federation of Small Businesses was established 50 years ago next month at a time when the UK economy was on its knees. The Government tried to plug the gaping hole in their finances by hiking National Insurance contributions on the self-employed. It was a blow against those unable to defend themselves.

One man decided to take a stand, and, in that pre-social-media age, he took his pen and wrote a letter to the newspaper calling for business owners as diverse as

“a musician, a boat builder, an undertaker, a chimney sweep, a window cleaner, and hundreds of shopkeepers” to

"DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT".

Within two weeks of writing his letter, Norman Small had called a public meeting of business owners, and so the National Federation of Self Employed was formed. It is an organisation of volunteers who strive to protect small businesses by lobbying to improve the Laws that affect them, as well as providing support and advice services where challenges remain.

Fifty years on, as the largest business lobby in Northern Ireland and, indeed, the UK — many Members will be familiar with Roger Pollen, Neil Hutcheson, Hannah Marshall and John Moore, who have been especially helpful in relation to childcare policy — it is marking the anniversary with a number of activities. One of those will see it engage with another outstanding voluntary organisation that is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the Parkrun. It is a simple idea, with a 5K run held weekly on Saturday mornings for young and old alike — walkers, Couch to 5K, amateur runners and elite athletes. Because much of the focus of FSB's lobbying efforts is at Stormont, they will engage with the Stormont Parkrun in a small celebration of the power and value of voluntary effort. They are inviting Members, staff, families and supporters to come along to the Stormont Parkrun on Saturday 14 September at 9 am to run, volunteer or just experience that atmosphere and share a tea or coffee with some of those who helped to make both of those great organisations what they are today.

I congratulate FSB and Parkrun on their anniversaries and wish them many more successful years to come.