Tenon forum

the background

Politicians, business people and academics laud entrepreneurs as the engine of the UK economy. Of the 3.7 million UK businesses, 3 million are small and medium sized. They provide work for 12.5m people and generate an estimated £400 billion of GDP.

Yet, despite this, and entrepreneurs are under-represented in political and business decision-making; don’t have a voice in media and political circles that matches the contribution they make to business and economic success; and are often hamstrung by unhelpful legislation and bureaucracy. They prosper - and help our economy prosper - despite, rather than because of the political and regulatory environment.

the forum

Tenon, the national provider of business services and advice to entrepreneurs, believes that it is in everyone's interest, up to and including Government, that entrepreneurs have vigorous and positive representation.

We have therefore established the Tenon Forum, an independent think-tank made up of representatives from the UK’s entrepreneurial community, to help provide this. The Forum will provide a platform from which the rights, values and needs of a healthy entrepreneurial sector can be championed.

the research

Every quarter we commission independent research and act on its findings; respond to the requests of small businesses that link into it with practical solutions; and challenge the received wisdom that big business represents all business.

Our research focuses on both ongoing trend identifying areas, and topical questions based on specific issues at the time. It is one of the most in-depth surveys of its kind, interviewing over 300 MDs, FDs and other senior directors at small and medium sized business (between 5 and 499 employees) on a wide range of issues.

The research is carried out by YouGov Plc, a recognised thought leader and innovator in online market research, and covers all business sectors across the whole of England, Scotland and Wales. The results are weighted to give a truly representative picture of the British economy.

the report

The research is debated by the Tenon Forum think tank to produce analysis and commentary on the research, and make constructive recommendations for actions to improve the framework within which small and medium businesses have to operate. These are contained in the Tenon Forum Report on Entrepreneurial Britain, issued every six months. However in 2009, the Tenon Forum is doing things a little differently, a factsheet with the key top line findings by region will be produced instead.

view published reports

the commitment

The Forum will work with entrepreneurs the length and breadth of the country to:

Ensure entrepreneurs have the voice they deserve.
Create the right legislative and regulatory framework for entrepreneurs to thrive.
Battle the barriers that are holding entrepreneurs back.

We envisage a time when to be called an entrepreneur in Britain is the ultimate accolade.

If you require any further information regarding The Tenon Forum please contact your local Tenon representative.