FSB Resurected

[fastfences]

Hi all
There was a recent thread about the value (or otherwise) of FSB (Federation Small Businesses):http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=6464&highlight=fsb

Have any 'newer' members any experience of the FSB? I have been approached to join :?
Cheers, Nigel

[Admiral Collections]

Hi Nigel

I am a member. Their free legal line is excellent, also when you join you get a member directory, they actively encourage business 2 business between members. Cold calling the directory is easy if you need to drum up business, just say you are a fellow member and they are only too willing to chat with you.

Well worth the yearly fee. Let me know what you decide.

Nic :wink:

[visagephoto]

Nigel

I'm also a member of the FSB and I've used used the free legal line a few of times, I reckon that could be worth the membership fee alone.

As Nic said, the member directory, networking oportunities (local meetings/seminars) and the members only forum are all available.

I also enjoy the monthly magazines which I find are bursting with useful information.

(Nic. I sent you a PM, have you received it?)

[cjd]

I am a member - yes membership really should be obligatory for small businesses as they provide the back-up big businesses take for granted when things go wrong, legal help, tax advice and physical help if you get investigated, very good deals on banking and credit card mercahnt services etc etc

I have to say I hate my local mag tho' and the forum is genuinely bad.

[gordonthegofor]

Also a member the cost of membership is well covered by the promise of profecional help if the government decide to investigate my brother got quoted £800 a year from his accountant for similar cover

[DuaneJackson]

I'm seriously considering membership.

Also, their Business Network magazine is the only print adverts we have done that have more than covered their costs.

[fastfences]

Thanks all for your encouraging words; totally contrary to the previous aforementioned posting. Now I'll just try and hammer them on price!
Cheers, Nigel

[DuaneJackson]

Let me know what you get away with : )

[cjd]

^^^^^ I seriously doubt you will - but if you do tell us all!

Tell me more about the add Duane...was thinking about it myself

[DuaneJackson]

I've had two advertorial type pieces inthere for KashFlow, if you havethe most recent issue of BN or the one beofre then have a flic k through and you'll see it.

IT generated a large amount of sign ups for the free trial on KashFlow and more than enough of them converted to paid up users to cover the cost of the ad. I think this is down to the sheer number if people the magazine goes out to - 165,000 or something like that.

[cjd]

aha - I see it 1/2 page in Dec-Jan issue. That's quite an attractive offer too - 60 day trial then £50 off. How much did it cost?

(Sorry if this is de-railing the thread)

[DuaneJackson]

Can't remember the exact cost, but it was in the region of £500-£700 before VAT.

I can dig out the contact details of the person I del with there if it's of any use. I think she's actually calling me later today.

[winton50]

We've been members for the last seven years and every year I have more than covered my costs on the legal helpline alone.

they do various events etc locall but it's not my sort of thing so I can't say how good they are