THE Federation of Small Businesses has appointed Barrow-based Phil Collier to the role of area leader for Lancashire & Cumbria.

Mr Collier has previously held positions of branch chairman for Barrow and regional vice-chairman with the FSB.

For the past seven years Mr Collier has been providing advice and support to businesses through his own company, Phil Collier Associates, and is also chairman of Barrow & District Credit Union.

He will work alongside fellow area leader Rachel Kay.

Mr Collier said: “Small businesses are coping with unprecedented difficulties at the moment and need a strong and co-ordinated voice to represent them to government and within our local communities.”

FSB development manager Paul Foster said: “FSB will continue to push for further support for small businesses affected by Covid-19 and Phil will be a great asset to us in this work.”