Ask The Chancellors
On Monday this week, I had the pleasure of visiting Facebook’s office in London for a special event. I received an email invitation just a week prior—short notice, but I was delighted to confirm my attendance. Although I was bursting with excitement, we were asked to keep the details of the event confidential for security reasons. This proved a tough job, especially with friends making wild guesses on my Facebook status about what I’d be attending.
The event? A live Q&A with senior politicians ahead of the general election, hosted by Facebook and televised live by Sky News. We were told we’d have the opportunity to ask senior politicians pressing questions as business owners. Of course I wanted to attend—otherwise, this article would be rather short!
Submitting Questions and Arriving at Facebook
I was asked to submit three questions beforehand, which I dutifully did. Upon arrival, I understood the need for secrecy. My friends’ guesses on Facebook were entertaining, but none could predict that the two high-level politicians we’d meet were none other than Chancellor George Osborne and Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls.
#AskTheChancellors
The event consisted of 30+ business owners, entrepreneurs and young people. We had all submitted our three questions and on arrival, one question was handed back to each of us to ask. Unsurprisingly, many of us had questions about business rates! I was thrilled with mine as it’s a topic I’m most passionate about: women leaders in small business.
“99% of UK businesses are SMEs. Only 18% of these businesses are led by women. What would you do to encourage more female entrepreneurs?”
I’m not saying men aren’t great business leaders—they certainly are—but a bit more female company would be nice, don’t you agree?
The Experience at Facebook
The welcome at Facebook was, as ever, warm. The interviews were set up in their canteen area, which looked amazing. Imagine an around-the-world buffet restaurant, complete with dessert trolleys, drinks and fresh fruit—all available for staff, free of charge! What an incentive. We were shown to a roped-off area and encouraged to help ourselves to lunch. However, I was far too busy Facebooking, Tweeting and sharing updates on LinkedIn, as well as chatting and networking with the other attendees.
The Sky News film crew was impressive—professional, organised and friendly. Time flew by and before we knew it, we were taking our places on set.
Question Time with George Osborne
First up was Chancellor George Osborne. I was pleasantly surprised by how engaging and articulate he was. He tackled difficult questions and, in my opinion, handled them well, though a few specifics were missing. Some of my fellow attendees asked hard-hitting questions, particularly one young woman who challenged Osborne on zero-hour contracts.
Do we really need these contracts as a society, or do they simply inflate employment figures? If we want to retain them for high-skilled individuals, wouldn’t the option of self-employment with a contract of works suffice? At least then, NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) and restrictions on competitive works could be properly implemented. Get rid of these awful contracts! But I digress. Osborne’s session was enlightening and although we couldn’t do a running social media commentary during the talks, the activity before and after the event was buzzing. Thanks, Team TLH—you rock!
Ed Balls Takes the Stage
After a short break, it was time for Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls. I was surprised when he apologised—twice! Yes, really! I got to ask my question about the lack of female business leaders, to which his response was a bit patronising. He mentioned that he had such a business in his constituency, led by a woman, that makes wigs… I’m hoping there’s more than one, Ed!
Despite this, he did acknowledge the need to encourage young girls—and boys—that they can be whatever they want. If only we could stop teaching our children self-limiting beliefs, wouldn’t that be wonderful? Although it’s easy to criticise politicians, I was impressed with the depth of knowledge both Osborne and Balls demonstrated across huge topics like housing, the NHS and taxes.
The People Factor
What stood out most to me was the difference in how the two Chancellors presented themselves. Ed Balls allowed himself to be more human, mentioning his children and apologising when appropriate. People buy from people, not faceless corporations—or in this case, political parties. The average person, when deciding who to vote for, is thinking, What’s in this for me? Politicians, like salespeople, are selling ideas and voters will either buy into them or not.
While Osborne was precise in his answers, Balls had the edge in terms of personal connection. It’s a shame, really, because reducing the deficit from £150 billion to £90 billion is no small feat and Osborne deserves recognition for that.
Reflecting on the Day
What a fantastic day and an incredible opportunity. Thank you, Facebook and Sky News—it was an honour to attend and ask my question. That evening, I was tagged in a Sky News video by our IT suppliers (thanks, Chris Lambert) and I read through the comment thread with interest. Some comments were amusing, while others expressed frustration, claiming that the audience was “fixed” and filled with millionaires. I couldn’t resist replying that I’m far from a millionaire, but never say never!
The overwhelming tone in the comments was one of anger—anger at politicians, at unemployment and at the perceived gap between those in power and ordinary people. I understand that frustration. I grew up in the Welsh Valleys during the miners’ strikes. I lost my mum at 18 and since then, I’ve stood on my own two feet. My success as a small business owner hasn’t come from luck—it’s been a result of hard work. I’ve worked 16-hour days, seven days a week, to build a business I love, with the support of my husband, team and local business community.
So, Who Will I Vote For?
Honestly, I still don’t know. I’m more undecided now than before my trip to London. If you’d told me two weeks ago that I’d be in Facebook’s London office, having a selfie with the Chancellors, I would have laughed. But that’s the beauty of seizing opportunities when they come your way.
Make sure you grab them with both hands!
