Federation of Small Businesses?

[nattynetty]

I saw someone mention the FSB on another post and it reminded me about them....

....I spoke to someone from the FSB way back when I'd only just started and to be honest a lot of it went over my head plus I couldn't really justify the cost back then.

However, I'm thinking now whether it might be a good thing to join - who here is a member? and what benefits do you use the most? and is it worth it?

Would love to hear people's views on whether it's worth it or not

[Funkyhand]

I am not a member but I am bumping this post so I can read any replies!!
Anice xx

[nattynetty]

Kinda answering my own question here but know others might be interested....

I joined the FSB today and have to admit the benefits make it worth the cost imho

It includes...
Free business banking with the Co-op
Cheaper merchant accounts for chip n pin
Free 24hr legal advice - business and personal
Free tax advice - business and personal
Free financial advice - pensions, life insurance etc
Plus lots of other things that I can't remember right now

[Bowed Over]

Hi,

My husband has been a member of the FSB for a few years. He only got information through the other day regarding the Co-op banking and he has switched to them from the Clydesdale Bank. The only thing that put him off was that there was only 1 Co-op bank in the city centre. Checked with the FSB and they said you can pay cheques etc in over the counter at the post office, so think it is a great deal.

Lisa

[Katianne]

Is it ok to ask how much it is to join?

[incywincy]

I saw someone mention the FSB on another post and it reminded me about them....

....I spoke to someone from the FSB way back when I'd only just started and to be honest a lot of it went over my head plus I couldn't really justify the cost back then.

However, I'm thinking now whether it might be a good thing to join - who here is a member? and what benefits do you use the most? and is it worth it?

Would love to hear people's views on whether it's worth it or not

I'm not joined, but have been looking at their site today
Were you on MZ, we were talking about fsb on there?

[heavenlygirl]

£140 to join for the first time, £100 per year thereafter.

I joined because my chip and pin machine charges are cheaper , and when my free banking runs out i will be switching for the free banking offer.

Also if you get a tax investigation they are supposed to deal with it all for you.

Hope this helps

Heavenlygirl

[liz300art]

hey

I'm a member of the FSB I joined for the co-operative bank account, which is an amazing deal and also great ethical investing, which I feel is important for my business!!
The account is free, for life as far as I can tell!! so great deal, I have to use the post office for paying in but I have to go there anyway to post so works out well.

I like the idea of support in case of the tax man turning up.( not that i have anything to hide)
phonelines just for any question etc which are helpful.
thanks

[EMEvans]

Sounds like a good deal as i know (as i work in an accountants) that people pay between £49 and £74 for PFP (professional fee protection) which is an insurance against tax man visits. Not sure if the cover is the same but i'm sure that the FSB cover would be more than addequate for a small business.

[Mary]

I joined last week too, mainly as Heavenlygirl says because of the free banking and cheaper mobile chip and pin machines. It looks like it will be worth it - certainly hope so

[handmadeheaven.biz]

how much cheaper are the chip and pins?

[purplerhian]

I asked for info on their website late last night, and got a call this mornign at 9.30! Good service if nothing else!

I have someone coming to visit me and talk me through the membership benefits next week. I shall let you kow the outcome!