Should I join FSB or FPB?

[kaypictures]

I have seen a number of posts that mention the benefits of being a member of either the FSB or FPB and wondered whether anyone could elaborate on their preference.
I am a sole trader selling mail order in a niche health-related market (to the NHS and Optometrists mainly). I have looked at both organisations' web sites and don't know which one to go for.
Presumably no one is a member of both. Would anyone in a similar (sole trader) position to me tell me which they belong to and why, please?

 

[KM-Tiger]

Was a member of both in a former business.

FPB is particularly good if you employ people, in my opinion. Sorry that's not much help if you are a sole trader.

 

[stugster]

What do you expect to get form being a member of one of those organisations?

 

[Chris Ashdown]

FSB gives you good PSP rates with Streamline and free banking with Co-Op bank

 

[Ashley_Price]

FSB gives you good PSP rates with Streamline and free banking with Co-Op bank

Many banks now offer free business banking for small businesses. As to the Streamline you need to decide whether you need to accept cards or not.

 

[kaypictures]

Thanks. I do have free business banking already, but the preferential rates for services would be worth looking at.

 

[Delta-SI]

Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB)?

 

[kaypictures]

What do you expect to get form being a member of one of those organisations?

I think I am hoping for a source of support and information, as business red tape seems to become ever more complicated. It's hard to keep in touch with everything that I could be doing.

I sell a little overseas and it's a bit of a minefield getting paperwork in place correctly. You can spend days researching subjects online and just go round in circles.

So, information resources and pointers to good deals with insurance, merchant services etc.

Does that point to one or other organisation?

 

[stugster]

Your source of support and information is probably much better coming from people on here to be honest. I haven't tried either organisation, but the amount of time they'll be wanting to offer you once they've got your money is going to be nothing compared to the amount of time and free advice you'll get of the folks on UKBF.

Not entirely sure of your setup, but if you're trading a lot, merchant services aren't going to be the biggest expense you're up against - so I personally wouldn't use that as a reason to be splashing out on money for FSB - it would totally defeat the point of saving the money in the first place.

Just my own [uneducated] thoughts though, others will probably think different!

 

[TotallySport]

Your accountant will recommend you get VAT inspection insurance which from our accountant is £150, this is free with FSB membership which is £130 for the first year and £100 every year after.

Plus the other benefits can also be good, if you need them, the free legal advice can we worth alot if you need to know the in's and out's from a professional.

 

[Humphrey]

I looked at both many years ago and decided that the FSB was the best value for money for me as a sole trader.

 

[kaypictures]

Thanks for that.