Over 99% of all businesses in Brent are defined as small businesses and many have suffered as a result of the pandemic and the ensuing cost of doing business crisis. FSB’s mission is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions, providing a range of business services to their existing members including legal advice, financial expertise, and wellbeing support.
Small businesses in Brent will receive a highly subsidised membership offer for a two year period as a part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for local authorities to fund communities, places, business, people and skills.
Brent’s small businesses play a vital role in the local economy - providing local jobs, enhancing the high streets, and of course providing a variety of essential goods and services for Brent residents. Recent challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis have made it more important than ever that local small businesses have access to the support they need to grow and thrive.
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 for a two-year membership.
Michael Lassman, FSB London Regional Chair, said:
“FSB is delighted to work in partnership with Brent Council on this new scheme. 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 helped other businesses within my network.”
Councillor Shama Tatler, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration and Growth at Brent Council said:
“As we enter a new year, our small business community continue to face a myriad of challenges tied to the ongoing cost of living crisis. The council remains steadfast in supporting our small businesses, and we are thrilled to announce our partnership with the FSB to offer local businesses a significant discount on their membership. FSB membership opens the door to a huge range of tools and expert support, including legal aid, tax advice, and access to over 1,000 CPD certified online training courses. I strongly urge businesses to take advantage of this brilliant opportunity and sign-up to unlock invaluable support for your small business.”
Notes to editors
- Details on how to register for scheme direct with the council are here.
About FSB
FSB offers a wide range of vital business services, advice and financial expertise to protect and support small businesses and the self-employed. It also gives them a powerful voice heard by Government and all of the main political parties. FSB is a non-profit, non-party-political organisation, founded in 1974. You can follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter) @fsb_policy and FSB Westminster on Linked-In.