Tina McKenzie has been appointed interim national chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), following Martin McTague’s decision to step down from the role to take up a seat in the House of Lords.
McKenzie, who has served on the FSB board of directors since 2021, was national vice chair, policy and advocacy for the past four years. She took up the interim national chair role on 29 July.
In her previous role, McKenzie led FSB engagement with senior figures in the UK government and opposition parties on issues including the cost of doing business, employment rights reforms, international trade and late payments by larger businesses to smaller suppliers.
She will continue to lead the organisation’s high-level policy engagement as interim national chair.
McTague, who became FSB national chair in March 2022, has volunteered with the organisation for more than 20 years. His appointment as a Labour life peer was announced last month, with his formal introduction to the House of Lords expected following the summer recess.
During his time with FSB, McTague held a number of local and national roles and represented the organisation during the Brexit process, the Covid-19 pandemic and periods of economic uncertainty and rising costs.
He was awarded an OBE in the 2024 King’s New Year Honours for services to small businesses.
McKenzie said small businesses and the self-employed were “at the heart of the economy and communities in every part of the UK”.
“Small firms are facing a lot of headwinds and cost pressures at the moment, and it’s absolutely vital that FSB is there as their leading champion at the highest levels,” she said.
She also thanked McTague for his contribution to FSB, including his four years as national chair.
McTague said his move to the House of Lords did not mean he was “abandoning” his commitment to championing small businesses.
“I’m incredibly proud to have had the privilege to represent FSB members and the wider small business community, and to have met so many amazing, innovative and inspiring small business owners along the way,” he said.
FSB chief executive Julie Lilley said: “I’d like to thank Martin for volunteering his time, expertise and determination to FSB over the last 20 years. I warmly congratulate him on his peerage, and I know he will continue to be a great champion of small businesses.
“I’m delighted that Tina has agreed to become interim national chair, bringing to the role the same dynamic zeal she has shown as policy and advocacy chair, and before that as chair of the policy unit for FSB Northern Ireland.”
McKenzie founded a recruitment business in 2013 and has more than 25 years’ experience in the recruitment and employment services sector. She was awarded an MBE in the 2023 Birthday Honours for services to the Northern Ireland economy.