Partners

European business - associations

BUSINESSEUROPE - The Confederation of EUROPEAN BUSINESS

The Union of Industrial and Employers' Confederations of Europe (UNICE) was founded in March 1958. The basic motivation for collective action by UNICE has remained unchanged for over forty years, as can be seen from a comparison of the original mandate with the current expression of it mission. The original aims included uniting the central industrial federations to foster solidarity between them; encouraging a Europe-wide competitive industrial policy; and acting as a spokesperson body to the European institutions. BUSINESSEUROPE strived for permanent liaison with official institutions, studied current problems, and co-ordinated responses, and always at a general "horizontal" level. BUSINESSEUROPE was never a sectoral organisation.

Mission and priorities:

Implement the reforms for growth and jobs
Integrate the European market
Govern the EU efficiently
Shape globalisation and fight all kinds of protectionism
Promote a secure, competitive and climate-friendrly energy system
Reform European social systems to respond to global challenges

www.businesseurope.eu

Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), UK

The FSB is the largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms. Formed in 1974, it now has over 205,000 members across 33 regions and 230 branches. On the member benefits side, it offers assistance and support 24 hours a day, while its lobbying arm - led by the Westminster Press and Parliamentary office - applies pressure on MPs, Government and Whitehall, lobbies politicians in their constituencies and puts the FSB viewpoint over to the media. The FSB is in an ideal position to influence policy with its direct access to politicians and civil servants in Westminster and Whitehall. In addition the FSB has access to the European Commission through its office in Brussels.

Mission Statement:

To be and remain the largest and most effective organisation promoting and protecting the interest of the self employed and small business owners within the UK.

www.fsb.org.uk

OSEC Business Network, Switzerland

OSEC is non-governmental organization working in sphere of foreign trade activities. OSEC has 24 centers of business cooperation in different countries of the world including Russia. The representations cooperate with the Swiss diplomatic representatives abroad, chambers of commerce and associations. OSEC is the consulting organization which supports Switzerland and Liechtenstein businessmen for their approach on the international markets. OSEC provides the members with the information concerning the foreign markets, find potential business partners, renders consulting services in the field of international cooperation.

The members of OSEC are:

Small and medium enterprises of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, aspiring to establish and strengthen business relations with foreign partners.
Foreign companies which search partners in Switzerland.

www.osec.ch

Confederation Generale des Petites et Moyennes Enterprises (CGPME), France

Confederation Generale des Petites et Moyennes Enterprises (CGPME), France
CGPME was created in 1994 and represents interests of small and medium business. The Confederation unites 400 federations and professional inter-sectoral structures which include more than 3500 professional and territorial organizations. The Confederation carries out representation functions and is engaged in protection of interests of the companies of small and medium business at national and international levels, cooperating with government officials both the European and world organizations. CGPME is the member of Economic and Social Committee, the European Commission, National Committee of Consumers etc.

www.cgpme.org

Federation of Finnish Enterprises, Finland

Federation of Finnish Enterprises, Finland FFE was created in 1996. The organization has wide network: 21 regional branch, 417 associations and 49 trading organizations. This network includes sphere of retail trade, industry, transport, craft and services. The Federation has the largest membership among economic federations in Finland. Today its membership consists of more than 90,000 enterprises of all sizes, from all corners of the country and covering the entire business spectrum. The basic purpose of the organization is lobbying interests of businessmen of the country in authorities. Local associations play a huge role in economic policy at municipal and regional levels. Regional branches have significant influence in authorities at a regional level. The Federation represents interests of businessmen in the government, ministries, parliament, and also in the European Union and the European organizations.

www.yrittajat.fi

The Slovak Agency of Investments and Trade Development (SARIO), Slovak Republic

The Slovak Agency of Investments and Trade Development (SARIO), Slovak Republic
SARIO was founded in October, 2001. It activity is connected with maintenance of inflow of direct foreign investments and granting programs for small and medium business support.
SARIO works under support of the government of Slovak Republic, and has been established for the communications with all business subjects were interested creation of firms in Slovakia.

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