All business people are busy people and we at the FSB really understand that. Therefore, with whatever time you can spare there are many ways of getting more involved with your local business community.
Interested?
Contact us for more information
...Or want to know more?
The FSB in the Thames Valley ensures the needs of small businesses are considered when key decisions are being made. We are often asked to give advice, information and respond to consultations. We are often asked for comments by local press and radio on local issues.
We engage in a partnership working with all local authorities, government bodies, M.P.s, community organisations, business groups, etc. This ensures that the voice of small business is heard & understood. These days, the FSB's opinion (& therefore, your opinion) is often sought!
Members who represent the FSB come from a range of backgrounds and business sectors but all have one thing in common - They run their own small business. As they are the ones who are directly affected, they are credible witnesses to the real business world.
Our members are also involved in running the FSB locally, helping with events, writing letters to key influencers, networking with each other and generally raising business awareness wherever they go and in whatever time is available to them.
If you would like to be part of the FSB team in the Thames Valley, the only qualification is that you are in business and want to make a difference for your local business community. We help with the rest.
We are always looking for members to strengthen our existing branch and regional committees but currently we are particulary keen to talk to members who are interested in the following:
- Committee members - All branches
What's Involved In Becoming An Active Member?
As an FSB member you can get more involved in how your local branch is run. By giving a few hours of your time you can help raise awareness of the issues and obstacles involved with running a business in the Thames Valley.
The Thames Valley region has five branches, East Berkshire, Reading & West Berkshire, Oxfordshire, South Buckinghamshire and North Buckinghamshire. New volunteers are always welcome and can be a local contributor in a variety of ways.
How can you get involved?
- At a local branch committee level with committee or events
- With policy work
- With lobbying locally and nationally
- By commenting in the local media on matters concerning your profession or trade.
If you are passionate about your business and would like to help the FSB but are worried about
- What volunteering involves
- If it takes up too much time
- Will it will conflict with your own business meetings
- That you haven't got the experience or knowledge
- That you will be taking out of your locale because of FSB meetings/events
- That you have no training
- That there might expenses incured
Don't be. All of these concerns have been raised by volunteers in the past and the FSB can help you become more involved. We will provide media and lobbying training; expenses to attend meetings are met by the FSB; if there are any conflicts between your business needs and FSB events, your business comes first-just send your apologies to the Branch Chair/Secretary and/or the Regional Organiser. With regards to the time involved this can be as much or as little as you wish to give.
If you would like to come along to a meeting or talk it through with another active member contact, in the first instance, contact Samantha Barker, Development Manager Tel: 07917 628926.