The Federation of Small Businesses which has a strong base in South Wales, is run on a voluntary basis by elected officers to help small businesses. It is non party political and non profit making. With most of the business turnover in this part of the world done by small business, to my mind the representation the FSB has, is not given enough weight. Quite apart from that the Federation has significant benefits for the small business including Legal Support and Advice Lines, Financial Savings and free Banking. I have used their helplines and I am in the process of transferring my business account to save bank charges.
The Celtic Manor Resort is the setting for the FSB's Annual Conference on the 19th to 21st March 2009. The FSB web site carries the following information about them:
“The Federation of Small Businesses is the UK's largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms. Formed in 1974, it now has over 215,000 members across 33 regions and 230 branches.
Our lobbying arm - led by the Westminster Press and Parliamentary office - applies pressure on MPs, Government and Whitehall and puts the FSB viewpoint over to the media. The FSB also has Press and Parliamentary Offices in Glasgow, Cardiff and Belfast to lobby the devolved assemblies. Policy Development Officers work alongside Regional Development Agencies to further FSB influence at a regional level. In addition, Member Services is committed to delivering a wide range of high quality, good value business services to members of the FSB”
The conference web link is:
http://www.fsb.org.uk/default.aspx?id=0&loc=conference2009
This is an organisation that deserves a good press, has something sensible to offer and has the lobbying weight to contribute to the current business debates. I recently attended a bank Bashing meeting between local business and representatives from the banks and the FSB were represented there and contributing their point of view. The local ‘recruitment’ rep is very active and has a wealth of contacts to offer. I feel it is worth supporting.
Bob Shepherd Associates can help your business in all sorts of ways. When we get involved in a consultancy we deliver more than we are asked to do.
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