The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is the largest business organization in the UK, representing over 213,000 small businesses. The FSB exists to promote and protect small businesses. It lobbies on their behalf and provides various benefits and services to help them save money and stay compliant with regulations. These services include legal support, tax and accounting advice, training events, and discounted insurance. Becoming an FSB member results in substantial potential savings that often outweigh the annual membership fees. The presenter provides an example of one printing business that saved over £12,000 in its first year as a member.

1. Federation of Small Businesses “ The UK’s Leading Business Organisation” Presented by Maree Atkinson Business Adviser FSB Herts and South Beds

2. Why does the FSB exist? “ To promote and protect those who manage or own their own businesses”

3. Who is the Federation of Small Businesses? Largest business organisation in the UK 213,000 members Circa 6000 in Herts and Beds 30% new members come from your referrals – thank you ! Fantastic buying power - Non profit making Represent all professions 1 – 200 employees Major lobbying organisation

4. Lobbying activities Keep Trade Local campaign Deferment of business rates increase Automatic Small Business Rate relief Crack down on late payers Small Business Survival Package

5. My role Get to know local businesses Meet around 600 businesses a year Find out their frustrations Work with other organisations Business Link, Universities, Local Authorities, Enterprise Agencies and more Explain the support the FSB provides

6. Variety of cost effective events FSB Herts and Beds Business awards Informal evening events – pubs and clubs Formal Dinners Exhibitions and topical training Silverstone, House of Commons Wembley Football Stadium And you never know who you’ll meet !

7. Benefits of being part of the FSB Some evidence members stay in business longer Legal support Health and Safety Employment Law Tax advice and representation Ways to save money Covers more than one business The Voice of Small Businesses

8. Legal Benefits Package 24 hour – 365 days Unlimited calls Team of 50 lawyers 3000 calls a week Respond to queries with 1 hour 200 free legal documents Variety specialists

9. Legal Benefits Package Protection up to £50k examples of support but much more ! Health and Safety Chasing bad payers Terms and conditions, Copyright Power of the FSB logo

10. Employment Law All employment lawyers 24 / 7 support Taking on staff Contracts , T/Cs, maternity, apprenticeships, minimum pay, holiday entitlements Disciplinary matters, dismissals and tribunals Shareholders and partnerships Freelancers and sub contractors Redundancies and shorter working weeks Snow days !

11. Tax advice and representation 1000s accountants belong to FSB Start up advice, limited companies, partnerships, sole traders, tax returns Tax investigation support All used to work for HMRC HMRC cash flow issues £8 billion less tax in Jan 09 : Jan 08 National debt - £870 billion 21 months and £5000 (average cost) of investiagtion

12. Saving money through the FSB’s buying power Free business banking FOR LIFE Taking plastic (credit cards) through the FSB - no set up fee for a card machine - reduced transaction costs and rentals - take more money, safer, meet customers expectations E commerce and completely mobile machines

13. Saving money through the FSB’s buying power Advice and Reduced rates on insurances - Public liability, PI, goods in transit employee, product liability and more No fee to install a telephone line Private health care, pension advice, factoring FSB Care FSB Fuel card Docmail Credit checking and collection bad debts

14. Next slide A case study of a printing business with 5 staff who joined the FSB Just look at the savings !!

15. £ - 690 =£ 19233 £ - 250 = £ 6401 £ 250 £ 5974 Cost FSB membership Net savings £ 19923 £ 6641 £ 5724 £ 12165 Total £ 9900 £ 3300 000 £ 275 / month ( 3 year contract) £ 3300 / year Employment Law and H/S £ 648 £ 216 £ 624 £ 840 / year Health Cover £ 675 £ 225 000 £225 / year HMRC investigation insurance £ 450 £ 150 £1250 £1400 / year Telephone £ 2100 £ 700 £2900 £3600 / year Insurance £ 2550 £ 850 £950 £1800 / year Merchant account £ 3600 £ 1200 000 £1200 / year Business Banking Potential Savings over 3 years Savings in year 1 Cost in first year of FSB membership Before joining Area of expenditure

16. And there’s more Jury service compensation - £ 100 / day Covers private life Entry on FSB’s website of members National and regional magazines Local advisers on hand Peace of mind

17. The membership fees based on number of employees Single person business - £120 a year Up to 4 staff - £170 5 - 10 - £220 11- 20 - £270 100- 150 staff - £870 + £30 joining fee in just first year Associate membership - £50 Who in their right mind wouldn’t join? “ it’s a lifebelt for businesses”

18. Thank you for listening Any questions please ? Maree Atkinson 077364 71568 [email_address] www.fsb.org.uk /info www.mareeatkinson.com