The FSB has over 213,000 members across the UK. These members benefit from the many services available to members. We would like to grow the FSB even further to give us an even bigger voice for small businesses and enable even more business owners to benefit from the many benefits.
Who better to spread the word about the benefits of membership than our members. To reward members for helping to grow the organisation the FSB is offering £10 for each new member referred. To qualify you must first register as a lead generator. Become a lead generator.
The FSB is already a big voice for small businesses - help us to help even more small businesses.
Coalition Government Programme
For the first time in over half a century we have a coalition Government. The new government have released details of their "Programme for Government" which includes many key issues for local businesses. The FSB is pleased to see that many of the issues we have been calling for are included in the programme. These include automatic business rates relief, cut in red tape and a level playing field for small businesses. Full details of the business programme
The FSB has reviewed the programme on behalf of it's members and a full response can be found here
Small businesses are:
- 85% of all new jobs
- 69% of all apprenticeships 65% of all inventions
Help us get the small business message to every MP across the land.
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Cut pay roll taxes
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Cut VAT on construction by 5%
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Re-build our banks on trust and honesty
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Return Post Offices to our high street
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Say no to parking charges, poor planning decisions and unfair competition that is killing off our high Streets.
Project Griffin to help businesses protect form terrorism
Project Griffin is an internationally-acclaimed development tool for businesses to help protect their staff and local communities from terrorism.
International terrorism and domestic extremism continue to be a real threat across the UK and it is imperative that the emergency services, communities, businesses, local authorities and other agencies work in partnership to reduce the risk of becoming a terrorist target. Read more about awareness events across Thames Valley
Free NHS helpline providing advice and support for small businesses on employee ill health
Graduate Internship Scheme
The FSB is supporting the Higher Education Funding Council for England's (HEFCE) Graduate Internship Scheme which aims to bring graduates and small and medium sized companies together to deliver graduate level work experience. The internships offer companies up to 6 months project based internships. The potential benefit to your business includes:
- Improving existing products and services
- Creating new products and services
- Increasing market performance and new marketing opportunities
- Gaining useful skills
More details here
Apprenticeship Grant for Employers - Factsheet, watch video clip
Keep Trade Local - Thames Valley
View our picture gallery here
Since it's launch nationally just over 2 years ago the Keep Trade Local campaign has helped raise the profile of independent businesses.
We wanted to bring to the attention of the politicians and public the issues faced by local businesses and just how important they are to a thriving local ecomony. We also wanted to steam the tide of business closures and defend the choice and diversity on the high street.
We launched the campaign across the Thames Valley in towns such as Burnham, Witney, Reading, Wokingham, Witney, Wantage, Datchett and Wendover.
Read more about those campaigns
Have You Say - What message would you send to 10 Downing Street
Would you like to play an active role in the FSB?
The FSB is always looking for members to get involved To find out more
Useful Downloads For Small Businesses
Support Agency Contacts
Guide for SME - Selling to Government
Guide to Small Business Rates Relief
Members Frequently Asked Questions