The Federation of Small Businesses

[Mat_D]

I'm an active member of the FSB in Worcester, having met several clients through their networking meets, and I have to say that the £150 joining fee was probably the best investment I've made to date.

I was wondering if any other FSB members from the West Mids area use this website, and if so what they thought of the organisation?

[Mike Seddon]

I've not used it but I'm fairly local (near Warwick).

Is that £150 per year?

[Mat_D]

It's somewhere around the £150 mark for the first year, and closer to £100 per year after that. For that, you get a range of membership benefits including free banking with co-op (which in a lot of cases more than pays for the membership).

There's also a small charge (typically £15) for networking meetings.

As a fellow supplier of B2B services, I would definitely recommend it.

[LizK]

I joined FSB recently and have so far used their banking (Co-op) and Insurance facilities, have had a visit from the local representative which was really helpful and am about to use some of their templates/downloads for my Ts and Cs. So far, very impressed!

Liz

[KidsBeeHappy]

I am a member in Ayrshire, and yes, consider probably the best £100 I spend each year.

[katewaugh]

I've just joined and it looks like very good value to me! I hope to make real use of the various benefits in the coming years.

[nicola jane]

I have also just joined but haven't had all the information through yet. I was sold on the idea of free banking as it is free for life unlike the short terms offers from the high street banks

[Faith28]

I've joined last September and used their employer advice service which was useful.

I definitely recommend them.

[graemepirie]

Hi,

I've been a member for a couple of years. I joined mainly because of the legal insurance that comes with membership.

There's also a forum (still embryonic but getting there)

[atlascs]

The FSB is a great organisation and does a great deal of good for the business community here in the UK. Definitely worth the money (and time if you have it) investment.

[uplink]

I had been considering joining up and after reading the replies on this thread have become a member! I am still awaiting the welcome pack but hope to make full use of the free banking and helplines and meet other small business in the area...

[Mat_D]

I had been considering joining up and after reading the replies on this thread have become a member! I am still awaiting the welcome pack but hope to make full use of the free banking and helplines and meet other small business in the area...

Don't forget the networking events. Even if you can't see any direct benefits, it's worth popping along at least once.

Where have you joined? :)

[uplink]

I will give one a go- Thanks for the suggestion
I joined via Mike Rose in Redditch and the internet, I havent recieved my welcome pack yet but I am based in Worcester.
I am in the process of taking on an employee and understand I can get info on contracts annual leave etc - so with that and the free banking it ticks all the boxes

[Mat_D]

I will give one a go- Thanks for the suggestion
I joined via Mike Rose in Redditch and the internet, I havent recieved my welcome pack yet but I am based in Worcester.
I am in the process of taking on an employee and understand I can get info on contracts annual leave etc - so with that and the free banking it ticks all the boxes

That's cool. Mike Rose set me up also.

The rugby club function on the 23rd would be a good place to get started. I'm exhibiting so come and say hello!

[WardAM]

I've also recently joined through Mike Rose.

The array of services offered is significant with an annual membership fee which is next to nothing when you consider the specialist services you can benefit from, and with immediate effect once joining. The legal service alone is worth the membership fee.

I have not yet attended any networking meeting but aim to. I'm also happy to chat with any local businesses in the West Midlands and surrounding counties.

[jane p]

would this benefit a small shop such as ours in any way?

[An Oasis]

would this benefit a small shop such as ours in any way?
It's always difficult to say, the FSB are not pushy but free banking (with an ethical bank rather than some scum sucking bank has to be good) legal cover of up to £5M subject to the usual T&C's, networking...

Is quite a lot for the outlay.

[Out and About]

I'm active in the Thames Valley FSB and have supported the "Keep Trade Local" campaign by printing a poster and displaying it on my Outdoor Advertising Poster sites - I also distribute the window stickers to the local shops. The shop owners are very pleased to display the sticker, not just in their windows but often on the door by the Open sign. I refer any non FSB member shop owners to the local FSB recruiter. See this clip on YouTube - its very low res - but you will get the gist. http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=HxIcZoWzTag

[mattley23]

Ive just joined today and have to say that I was suprised by the cost of the joining fee, very reasonable considering what you have available to you.

As many have said, the free co-op banking more than pays for the membership itself.

[NetBiz]

Yes we are members too and pay £100, good investment

[djwellis]

I am a member, but hardly use any of the benefits.....
.... and I still think it's worth the money!

For the legal advise line if anything else - though they do seem a bit angry sometimes.

However, free business banking with the Co-operative, free legal advise line and all those networking do's - very useful!