Federation of Small Businesses

[kathynewman]

Know that there are a few members out there - just wondered if anyone could tell me anything about the benefits - seen a list of them on the FSB website but they don't mention specifics such as which companies for bank accounts, merchant accounts, delivery services etc.

Thinking about joining just wondered what others thought?

Kathy

[chris ashdown]

dito, dito plus how much does it cost or is it what you haggle it down to?

[Donna]

Double ditto!

Can it really save you money?

[kathynewman]

Not just me then!

Chris - costs are dependant on number of employees
http://www.fsb.org.uk/data/default.a...oc=FSBbenefits

no idea if you can bargin that down or not.

Kathy

[Paul Bulpit]

I've been a member for 25 years (at £70 p.a.), solely for the purpose of the Legal Benefits Package (Abbey Legal Protection) which is cheap insurance - never had to use it fortunately but great peace of mind in case I ever do, good things are said about it by the membership.

I have never used any of the other benefits nor do I attend the meetings, but (depending on your local branch) they have social events, networking sessions, etc. where you can meet like-minded souls, no doubt the gregarious ones of course.

Business Banking is with the Co-Op. Telecoms provided by IDN Telecom plc. Bank Deposit Account with Close Brothers Ltd. Mobile CCard Terminals with 123 Send.

Independent Financial Services is a network of members. Factoring is with Lloyds TSB. Credit Card with MBNA. Insurance with Towergate Underwriting / Warren Hill brokers.

Internet services - Cobweb Solutions. Medical insurance - HMCA. Merchant services - Streamline. Parcel delivery - Interlink.

All of the above offer discounted rates / deals for members. With a membership of over 200,000 FSB is a pretty strong group for purchasing & in particular political lobbying including the EU.

The organisation is thoroughly well-organised and totally professional. Local members will help each other and they have a forum much like this one.

[RuralWeb]

I recently joined after discussing the pros and cons with the rep that pays you a visit. The big plus for me was the fact that they will deal with any tax office inspections you may have.

I would give them a call and arrange a visit to discuss your own circumstances as every business is different.

[pinbrook]

I joined for the legal helpline, streamline acct and help with dealing with Tax and Vat inspections, and the peace of mind that ther is someone at the end of the phone when you need it

[Cheapprices4u]

ive got a guy coming on wen this week
is there anything i "should" ask

basically do you all feel its worth the money?

im interested in the streamline account i have cardnet just now
do they offer anything on the book keeping side as im using my mum jus tnow shes good but hey shes getting older

[TraceyHand]

im interested in the streamline account i have cardnet just now

IME, that'll pay for itself straight away then!

[Cheapprices4u]

lol ive followed your post with interest
in fact it was that that sparked the initial enquiry to FSB

do they recommend a psp ? or do i just go protx or secpay as usual

[Darren B]

Gareth, worth the investment if only to save £120 on the switch. That is if it's still £100 p/a and £30 initial setup.

I use PROTX myself, apart from the odd rare glitch works a treat,

D

[Cheapprices4u]

Gareth, worth the investment if only to save £120 on the switch.

D

Switch?? as in cards?

[Sally Dickson]

Hi guys,

I recently went for a major cost-cutting exercise, and we found savings by using the power of our FBI memberships.

AS you need to keep costs low, it has to be worth it.

I have:

The co-op bank ac
The medical insurance
Discount on my credit card terminal

Next on my cost-saving list is a Paypal premier account... which brings me to V8 - see next thread.

Sally

[Cheapprices4u]

well i just signed up so fingers crossed ill have lots of nice people to help me soon

and i cant believe the difference in rates from stremline (fsb) to cardnet

oohh hapy days

now for the psp choice..........mmmmmmmmm