Any FSB members here?

[weebly_one]

I am now a member of the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses). Any hints and tips on making the most of our membership would be appreciated.

If there are particular services I may have missed in the documentation that you recommend please let me know (either privately or here!) - you may not want it known that you have had to use the legal department!

 

[CSHTech]

I'm a member and have just renewed. Probably one of the best subscriptions I have but it depends on what services you may need.

For example, I now bank with the FSB recommended Co-Op Bank, which not only doesn't have bank charges but also pays me £25 a year just to have the account! Yes there are fewer branches, but you can pay in cheques at a Post Office and there is full online banking too.

Also, I'm using the FSB recommended Worldpay PAYG credit/debit card account so that when I go to customers they have the option to pay by card.

I've used other services but these have been the most beneficial.

Hope this helps.

C

 

[weebly_one]

Thanks very much for that message - great tips - we have free banking with our current bank but can't pay cash in locally and I have started a new Forever Living (Aloe Vera products) business which means I get alot more cash and cheques. Even if I keep the main business where it is a 2nd account to pay in the cash and cheques after events locally will be really useful.

 

[BustersDogs]

I'm with the FSB, am just moving to their free bank account. I already have one with another bank, but as I live opposite a post office I can bank every day instead of having to make a specific visit.I've also have called the legal helpline a few times which helped with some questions on employees contracts among other things. I haven't been through the whole pack yet as I've only been a member since summer, but there are a few other bits and pieces I'm interested in. I don't like the newsletters they send out, but some of the other emails they send are useful.

Really enjoying being a member and making contact with other members.

 

[TheCandyCabin]

I joined last month. I use the Streamline debit/card machine deal. Not had to use the legal helplines, and hopefully won't have to. I did read reviews before I joined and everyone said having the legal advice was more than worth the joining fee. I'm a 'peace-of-mind' type of person and I'm happy it's there if I ever need them

 

[hotel-man]

Do the c/card processing companies all charge a std rate thru FSB?

Im thinking of joining but the biggest "attraction" for me would be the card processing.

Cardsave seem to offer the best std terms out there so wondering what FSB providers offer.

??

 

[TheCandyCabin]

Do the c/card processing companies all charge a std rate thru FSB?

Im thinking of joining but the biggest "attraction" for me would be the card processing.

Cardsave seem to offer the best std terms out there so wondering what FSB providers offer.

??

The setup fee that Streamline usually charge (around £200) was free. I also got 3 free months free rental. If you ring Streamline and tell them you're a FSB member they can tell you all the details. Try to haggle them down best you can

 

[CSHTech]

As far as I was told (and confirmed on the website) there are no Worldpay charges other than a PAYG charge dependent on the value of the transaction.

Obviously you have to go through the usual credit scoring and application to get the card reader device, as well as having a 'smart phone' to connect for authorisations, but it's useful to have and easy to use.....

 

[sjbeale]

I have been an FSB member for about eight years now and really consider it worth the membership fee.

I use the free banking service, the legal helpline for domestic issues and attend the monthly networking events when I can.

I would recommend it to any small business owner.

 

[andygambles]

The tax inspection insurance is also worthwhile as FSB membership was only a tad more than taking out insurance.

As mentioned the email newsletters seem a bit dire for the size of the organisation but I find it more useful than the Chamber.

 

[MorrisChesterfield]

Hi,

Do fsb members interact and have you gained etc work, is it as good as networking?

I am thinking of joining.

Thanks

Ben

 

[Quest Cloud Solutions Ltd]

Hi,

Do fsb members interact and have you gained etc work, is it as good as networking?

I am thinking of joining.

Thanks

Ben

Hi Ben,

The FSB is good for the benefits it gives in terms of legal advice and discounts, but in our experience it is poor for developing business. The events are poorly organised and attended; we were asked to do a presentation on cloud computing and were told that over 40 people were signed up... we got there and there were 20. Not the end of the world but not the turnout we'd been expecting.

They are also reluctant to give out details of other members and they don't want to help you market to other members. You can network at the events but like I said, turnout is often poor.

Hope that helps.

Thanks,

Ryan

 

[Geoff T]

Hi Ben,

The FSB is good for the benefits it gives in terms of legal advice and discounts, but in our experience it is poor for developing business. The events are poorly organised and attended; we were asked to do a presentation on cloud computing and were told that over 40 people were signed up... we got there and there were 20. Not the end of the world but not the turnout we'd been expecting.

They are also reluctant to give out details of other members and they don't want to help you market to other members. You can network at the events but like I said, turnout is often poor.

Hope that helps.

Thanks,

Ryan

This mirrors my own experience - recently joined and did a presentation (with a reduced turn out)

Networking is lacking, but the offers seem to make it worthwhile... time will tell...

 

[MorrisChesterfield]

i think linkedin & UKBF seem to be the best place to network for free and get better better results.

have you ever been a member of a breakfast club? this price really puts me off some clubs.

thanks

ben

 

[Quest Cloud Solutions Ltd]

I looked at most of the available business clubs in the area, but decided on The Business Club in the end. The monthly cost is higher but food is included so it works out less than BNI over the year, and they guarantee your money back if you don't cover the costs in the first year with new business. For the Peterborough one I go to it seems to offer the widest range of small and medium businesses, and there isn't the pressure of having to turn up every week.

Cheers

Ryan

 

[MorrisChesterfield]

How much that per month ( i hope you dont mind me asking )

Thanks

Ben

 

[lee.stanley3]

I have been an FSB member for 2 years and found the services offered very good. The business insurance quotes beat all others out there. The COOP free business banking save me over £200 a year with Barclays, the free legal advice line must be worth £50 a call given the costs any legal firm will throw at you. Their finance offer for factoring was a million times better and cost effective than the other nearest bank. I'm interested to know if the benefits once I get past this year are any better as after 3 years you get more access to more?? So waiting to see on this.

I would and do fully recommend the discounts and support services they give.