Launched at a special event at the end of September, small businesses from across the Epping Forest District are set to benefit from a support boost.
Epping Forest District Council is financially subsidising memberships to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), using their portion of the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. A move aimed at supporting small businesses as they continue to battle the economic headwinds of 2023.
The substantial reduction on FSB membership fees means that sole traders will be required to contribute just £50, and any business with 11-50 employees paying just £100.
Those who missed the event, still have the opportunity to take advantage of the scheme, by signing up to a one-off virtual event on Friday 27 October: https://www.fsb.org.uk/event-calendar/epping-forest-give-your-business-a-boost-27thoct23.html
David Bell, East of England Regional Chair of FSB and host of the event, said:
“As a small business owner myself, I know how rewarding running a business can be – but it can also be challenging. With FSB membership, I have all the tools and advice needed to run and protect my business in one place, alongside the support of other business owners and the FSB Team.
“Membership has been instrumental to the development of my business and, in some cases, has saved other businesses. I know of a Tapas Bar that saved £40,000 – £50,000 in legal fees through FSB. Without that protection the owner says he may not still be in business”.
FSB is the largest business support organisation for the self-employed and small businesses. Established over 45 years ago, it is a non-profit making, non-party political organisation, that is led by its members, for its members.
As experts in business, FSB offers its members a wide range of vital business services including advice, financial expertise, support, and a powerful voice in government.
Benefits of an FSB membership include: The FSB Legal Hub, (an online library of 1,400 legal documents and templates), FSB Legal Protection, (24/7 helpline and up to 100k legal protection per case), a debt recovery service, free business banking, a funding platform, payroll/pensions services, unlimited telephone counselling, discounted health cash plans and much more.
FSB members will also be able access a variety of networking, online support events and business guides.
Ann Scott, Development Manager for Essex at FSB, said:
“We would like to thank Epping Forest Council for subsidising FSB membership at a time when so many businesses are under the cosh, firstly due to the pandemic and now the cost of doing business crisis. The businesses who attended were surprised at how much FSB offers for such a reasonable cost.
“Small businesses form 99.9% of our business population, account for three-fifths of the employment and around half of turnover in the UK private sector. So, it’s really important to the UK’s economic recovery that small businesses are supported to not just survive but thrive”.
Although the virtual event on Friday 27 October is free to attend, booking is essential: https://www.fsb.org.uk/event-calendar/epping-forest-give-your-business-a-boost-27thoct23.html
