Federation of Small Businesses

I don't think so no. We recently joined Checkatrade, the vetting is thorough, they contact previous customers for references, check insurance, training etc and randomly check any new testimonials that go up!

It is purely about reputation.... Something which we are very proud of, that takes years to earn and seconds to lose!

I am happy to shout about being a member because I have been through the process and know that it is genuine. 

Something I wouldn't have been proud to shout about had I joined the FSB knowing that although the badge said I was an established business , back then, I knew I wasn't.

If a company claims to have the best interests of the public at heart surely that should start at home by not settling for second best tradesmen who in reality do not fulfill the criteria required for membership.

Any Joe Bloggs can do what our business does which is cleaning ..... Not everyone can do it to the standards that we do with the knowledge, training, specialist equipment and everything else that goes with providing a truly professional service!

I joined the FSB only a week ago, I managed to recoup the costs within a couple of days by contacting my card processor and by telling them I had joined, this saved me all but £5 of the first years membership. 

The main reason for joining though was for the VAT and TAX investigation insurance, our accountant was quoting us £300 plus per year but this comes free with the membership this covers you in case of an investigation, as I understand it they will pay your accountants fees which can rack up as the investigations can last for a year or two in some cases. The free legal advice service is also something to note as well as possible better insurance rates.

There is also the free banking service but as its with the Co-op I am a little nervous about moving at this moment with all that's happening. 

It's not about cost for me its about credibility.

Whilst I am aware of all the benefits to members, it's the public I'm more concerned about

As an ex FSB member, I have to say I have seen FSB from both sides. I have seen their sales guys/ladies use pressure selling tactics. At the same time I am aware that they do a lot of lobbying and someone needs to represent the small businesses voice in the UK. However, I hardly hear of them nowadays. I don't see that of a benefit in joining nowadays. If the public recognised them more widely, then I would have considered them more. 

I don't understand your thinking as the FSB to me is not about customers at all but more about the business and its owners being given the opportunity to access lower costs for things such as card processing and Insurances etc. In fact it had never crossed my mind to advertise that fact that we are members.

The FSB celebrated its 40th Year representing Small Businesses across the country, lobbying parliament and getting a better deal for them on a national and local level. At its policy conference earlier this year they had speakers from our government, opposition and from the USA. Without the FSB we wouldn’t have Small Business Rate Relief, a government review of Business Banking for Small Businesses to ensure they are getting a better deal, a new fund to help small and micro businesses get access to borrowing that the banks are not helping them with, and the end to automatic role over of energy contracts.

These are just a few of the things the FSB do on behalf of small businesses. This is in addition to what is happening locally where the FSB work with Local Councils, LEP’s and regeneration groups to ensure there is still a community to use your local services.

It isn’t always about what discounts you get that makes an organisation good. I was a member of my local Chamber of Commerce for several years and never saw what they did for my business and the businesses I support, just what they could do for the Chamber.

Bit of a late reply but was looking at virtual pas post and agree. Good example of the FSB in action is current campaign acting as a voice of business during the coming election.

http://www.ibacksmallbusiness.com

Do we have any other members .. FSB .