Federation of Small Businesses - a double-edged sword? - UK Business Labs

**Mark** · #1 (**permalink**) 01-03-2009, 02:36 AM

Is joining the FSB a double-edged sword? On the one hand, it (probably) gives you some more credibility if you display the logo on your site - on the other hand, people might see you as just that; a small business.

Your thoughts?

**OldWelshGuy** · #2 (**permalink**) 01-03-2009, 10:33 AM

The FSB provides some great savings, and also some good member services, like legal helpline.

**Ray Stewart** · #3 (**permalink**) 01-03-2009, 10:42 AM

You don't have to display the logo Mark. I never have.

The benefits far outweigh the minimal cost each year, as OWG says they have the 24hr legal helpline and of course the professional fee insurance against Tax, VAT, PAYE, CIS investigations and employment tribunal.

As I have said before, every business person should be a member. they lobby the government hard about issues close to small businesses hearts. Recently claiming the £1bn loan guarantee scheme was one of their successes - assuming the banks use it... but that's another whole can of worms.

Join, enjoy the benefits and backup - use the logo if you want

Paul Jennings · #4 (**permalink**) 01-03-2009, 10:56 AM

Hi
I'm an FSB member and it's well worth it!
Whats wrong with being a small business there are more small businesses than large ones and some people prefer to deal with smaller businesses.

Paul

Paul Simister · #5 (**permalink**) 01-03-2009, 11:51 AM

Sorry but what is wrong with being a small business?

Personally I have a much better buying experience from owner managed small businesses who care about their customers than the big multi-nationals who see customer service as a department rather than a philosophy.

QVA - Emma · #6 (**permalink**) 01-03-2009, 12:11 PM

I am a member of the FSB and I must say it has been well worth the fees.

Not only that but we get to network with other small businesses and you can set up some good affiliate schemes between you. Who needs big corporates

QVA - Emma · #7 (**permalink**) 01-03-2009, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark

on the other hand, people might see you as just that; a small business.

Your thoughts?

Also they take applications from companies with up to 200 employees as it is for Small to Medium Enterprises but

"The Federation of Small to Medium Enterprises with up to 200 Employees" doesn't have quite the same ring to it ....

Claire at Music Bugs · #8 (**permalink**) 02-03-2009, 10:37 PM

We are also members and we encourage our franchisees to become members too as the benefits are well worth the annual fee. Have never displayed the logo though and don't think we ever would.

A Blue Peter badge would be very different however, I would wear that always

JGOffshore · #9 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 12:40 AM

I suppose it is all "horses for courses". Most of the member benefits are available elsewhere and personally I have always preferred to be a member of a Chamber of Commerce. However I know that the quality of Chambers does vary from area to area. What I would say though is that everone need to join some recognised trade/business association, mainly to give the association credibility when dealing with national and local government.

**Mat** · #10 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark

Is joining the FSB a double-edged sword? On the one hand, it (probably) gives you some more credibility if you display the logo on your site - on the other hand, people might see you as just that; a small business.

Your thoughts?

I think the FSB logo can offer a limited amount of credibility, in that it looks official and demonstrates a financial commitment.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Simister

Sorry but what is wrong with being a small business?

Personally I have a much better buying experience from owner managed small businesses who care about their customers than the big multi-nationals who see customer service as a department rather than a philosophy.

I don't know what it is with you people and buzzwords. Does it make you feel clever to phrase things in "special" ways, or are you simply trying to bluff knowledge?

No need to apologise.

Anyway, it all depends on the type of business you run. Mark's point is very valid in that many small businesses need to present themselves as larger companies to gain credibility with their clients.

**essex_courier** · #11 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 09:11 AM

I would join, and I would display the logo. some people prefer to do business with other FSB members first, if that gives me the advantage - good.

Networking, in Essex they are getting better and I am talking to them to get more visibility at the events that I do for Business Scene.

The legal helpline is priceless!

Officebird · #12 (**permalink**) 09-03-2009, 05:29 PM

I've never really looked into the FSB but think it's probably about time I did. Thanks for bringing this up Mark.

When I started up I decided it wasn't for me but I suppose needs chage as a business grows.

**Mat** · #13 (**permalink**) 09-03-2009, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Officebird

I've never really looked into the FSB but think it's probably about time I did. Thanks for bringing this up Mark.

When I started up I decided it wasn't for me but I suppose needs chage as a business grows.

I think the FSB or Chamber of Commerce would be ideal for your business.

Officebird · #14 (**permalink**) 09-03-2009, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mat

I think the FSB or Chamber of Commerce would be ideal for your business.

I've just been asked onto the committee of the Darlington Business Club and really need to start looking at the other networking groups. Now I have a little team organised I should have more time for networking and the like.