Lucy Armstrong, who has been a member of the CBI’s SME Council since 2009, has been appointed as its chair, and will be responsible for leading its activities.

Lucy Armstrong takes over from Professor Russel Griggs, who has led the SME Council for the past three years.

The SME Council’s focus is to drive expansion and job creation in SMEs, as well as improve access to finance and export trade.

In her role as chair, Lucy Armstrong will represent Britain’s SMEs in both Westminster and Brussels, saying her priority will be on driving business growth.

“My priority is to press for conditions in which SMEs can thrive,” says Lucy Armstrong. “I’m determined to make sure that politicians and civil servants understand the impact of their policies and legislation on SMEs and their employees.”

John Cridland, CBI director-general, adds: “I’m delighted to welcome Lucy as chair of the CBI SME Council; she will bring a wealth of valuable experience to the role.

“With the UK’s 4.8 million SMEs providing 60 per cent of private sector jobs and accounting for half of all private sector turnover, we have much to do to help these companies achieve their full growth potential.”

Lucy Armstrong is chief executive of The Alchemists, a high-brow entrepreneur recruitment firm, and has been a member of the CBI Northeast Regional Council since January 2007.

Lucy Armstrong was also a judge at the Real Business / CBI Growing Business Awards.

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