Federation of Small Business

[Magic_Sailor]

As there appear to be a fair number of us who are self employed etc I wondered if you could help.

We have been approached by this organisation to join up.

Any comments - good or bad?

Thanks in advance

Magic

 

[tcm]

Being approached by the Federation of small business sounds a bit of an insult! Wait until the Society of Fat Cats appraoches and join that. Seriously, Institute of directors, bank start-up "advice", chambers of commerce, trade associations are all a bit useless imho. You are on your own, really.

 

[Forbsie]

The last company that I worked for sponsored a lunch for the Jnr Chamber of Commerce. I was sat next to the Telecomms Director of a major Consultancy. After making introduction to our Telco sales guy (took him weeks to make the call) they must now have easily made £5M out of the business.

I think that generally these organisations are kak but this one occasion was like winning the lottery. Just look for the guy with the scared, "I'm on the edge of my capability" look on his face. JCC has lots of young senior prospects and lots of young, sad, lonely gits looking for mates.

 

[BlueChip]

I am not a member, but I have a friend who is and swears by them for their free legal advice alone.

He employs a lot of young women and has no end of trouble with them. Before he makes any disciplinary move he always checks it out with FSB lawers. Reckons it has saved him a fortune

If you keep them involved and follow their advice they indemnify you against any subsequent legal action.

 

[Magic_Sailor]

Was that the Society of Fat Cats - or was it a mis-spelling. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I know what you mean about being on your own - but sometimes these organisations are value for money. We're members of the British Promotional Merchandise Association - they have been really very good - sorted a customer non-payment issue and given other valuable legal advice.

We are just a small business at the moment! Hopefully, not for too long though. (I want to go off sailing again - and no bloody sarky comments please /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif.

Magic

 

[pragmatist]

Been a member for about a decade - originally joined because of the free legal advice, help if the IR every take you to town. Fortunately not had to use it so far (holds breath).

Find some of their events really useful - however it appears to depend on how active the area is - it's really good here in Somerset but I tried to get details for our office in Essex and they didn't appear to do anything at all.

 

[yachtbits]

Re: Federation of Small Business - Did you know,

We are members, again joined initially for legal advice. (not had to use it though)

Also find the magazine quite interesting and sometimes depressing when you read about all the new legislation coming out.

Did you know

1. the government definition of a "Small Business" is less than 200 employee's!

We are officially a "MICRO BUSINESS"! Thank you, fine government, you've annoyed even more!

2. that there are approximately 350 different bodies, inspectors, etc that can turn up on your office doorstep for an inspection of some sort or another.

3. every business must have a nominated "asbestos control officer". Who is yours?

Hmmmmmmmmm, time to move office to Carribean I think.

Kev