Small businesses in Epping Forest are set to benefit from a support boost, as they continue to battle the economic headwinds of 2023.
Epping Forest District Council is financially subsidising business memberships to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), using their portion of the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
By attending a special event on Friday 22nd September in Epping, small business owners will receive an exclusive offer, which will see them save up to a maximum of £790 off the cost of a two-year membership.
The substantial reduction on FSB membership fees means that sole traders and micro businesses (0-10 employees) will be required to contribute just £50, and any business with 11-50 employees paying just £100.
Ann Scott, Development Manager for Essex at FSB, said: “We would like to thank Epping Forest Council for subsidising FSB membership at a time when so many businesses are under the cosh, firstly due to the pandemic and now the cost of doing business crisis.
“Small businesses form 99.9% of our business population, account for three-fifths of the employment and around half of turnover in the UK private sector. So, it’s really important to the UK’s economic recovery that small businesses are supported to not just survive but thrive”.
As experts in business, FSB offers its members a wide range of vital business services including advice, financial expertise, support, and a powerful voice in government.
Benefits of an FSB membership include: The FSB Legal Hub, (an online library of 1,400 legal documents and templates), FSB Legal Protection, (24/7 helpline and up to 100k legal protection per case), a debt recovery service, free business banking, a funding platform, payroll/pensions services, unlimited telephone counselling, discounted health cash plans and much more.
FSB members will also be able access a variety of networking, online support events and business guides.
David Bell, East of England Regional Chair of FSB, and host of the event, said: “Established over 45 years ago, FSB is the largest business support organisation for the self-employed and small businesses. As a non-profit making, non-party political organisation, we are led by our members, for our members – and you could soon be part of that”.
“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 saved some businesses. I know of a Tapas Bar that saved £40,000 – £50,000 in legal fees through FSB. Without that protection the owner says he may not still be in business”.
Although the event is free to attend, booking is essential: https://www.fsb.org.uk/event-calendar/epping-forest-give-your-business-a-boost-22ndsept23.html
Networking over tea, coffee and pastries start at 07.30am with FSB and Epping Council revealing more about the scheme from 8am.
Manjit Singh of Seed Space Group, who runs Regus Civic Building, ended by saying: “Regus helps businesses find and create the right workplace for their people. Offering choice, flexibility, community, custom workspaces and consistently professional locations all over the world. So, I was thrilled to be asked to work with FSB & EFDC to support small local businesses by providing the business lounge at Regus Epping for this event”.
To enquire about the event or FSB membership, email [email protected]
