Federation of Small Businesses Reviews 716

I really enjoy the on-line networking sessions that Ness Gale facilitates. Really warm welcomes and great connections!

Have just watched the (free) live webinar, co-presented by two of Microsoft's subject specialists, which covered cyber threats, explained how Microsoft 365 CoPilot assists with daily work and introduced us to the GCSE (Goal, Content, Source, Expectations) format for better Prompting.
The recording will be available on the FSB website.

FSB claims to help small businesses, and they do, however, when it comes to business insurance, I suggest to shop around because we’ve had prices three times what it should be for business insurance. In addition they want the full
Year insurance paid up front, which isn’t realistic for many small businesses.keep looking, thrust me.

I can't praise the FSB, the support they provide, the people and the events enough. It's great meeting other people in business who want you do well.

My first networking meeting with FSB at East Surrey College taken by Tracey & Martin was very enjoyable thank you. Expertly run with insightful speakers & a great bunch of like minded people to meet. It was the perfect first experience for me, I enjoyed listening to other members talk about themselves & their business.

I was sold membership in what I can only describe as a 'hard-sell' manner at an event - akin to timeshare salesperson.
The services they offer are comprehensive with some useful documents and advice; although ChatGPT produces better.
The reason I am leaving is because of the auto renewal with no warning (I had lots of other email from the FSB) and the inability to cancel membership online. I had to email in, get a number and call. SHARP PRACTICE not worthy of an organisation that claims to represent small businesses.

As always, great to be part of FSB. I used to be a member, then left for 4 or so months, only to realise I miss it, so I re-joined.
BUT... you've got to utilise it. you've got to visit the site, find important documents of use, get on the panels for presentations and speaker events and join the numerous events and networking. It really is a great community with many people being within the FSB for many many years.
Thank you also to the Fabulous FSB team that is always super helpful and making things simple and easy and organised.

Great experience! Not only does FSB offer a wealth of support, but it has also put together some great networking events. If you have a small business, I highly recommend checking out FSB.

FSB is not taking responsibility
FSB you could have apologise that there was a mistake and I would have moved on, but to not take responsibility it is a alarm signal. I came to the conclusion that when things go wrong you do not take the responsibility.

I booked an online event(9:30 - 10:30) as a member, I joined at 10:15 and I was not let in the event. I contacted the FSB support I got this reply "Further to your webchat i have ben advised that the event was due to finish at 10-30 and started at 9-30 therefore as you attempted to join at 10-15 the event was due to finish and it does not let anybody join when the event is due to end unfortunately." I asked Who does not let anybody join? totally silence. I contacted again the FSB customer service , I spoke with someone else and apparently there is a twist to the story - " We have a 15 minute window to allow people to attend the meeting. " But none of the have said "rules", are said on the event page.

My experience was not very helpful. Watch out as they auto renew and can be very expensive. Maybe I didn’t use its true potential but spent the last 3 years not noticing they had renewed, as they don’t inform you by email or send you renewal reminder.

Every visit to an FSB event, I not only make lots of connections which open up collaboration opportunities but I always learn something new, be it a new skill, a social media application or a new idea for my business.
The hosts are always extremely professional whilst remaining accessible and personable, maintaining a balanced business like atmosphere along with a relaxing approach.
Along with the obvious membership benefit's FSB offer it’s the people who run events locally who are most engaging.
Thank you

Enjoyable event led by George & Ann

Very engaging

Thank you

A Brilliant Experience with FSB's Tim Aker and FSB Kent.

Thank you to FSB Events for an outstanding experience at the recent ‘Budget’ focus group - The best one yet! It was a real privilege to be part of something so impactful.

The event was incredibly well-organised and gave us, as business owners, a genuine platform to share our views. With impressive coverage across social media, radio, and TV, FSB demonstrated why it is the leading business voice in Kent.

This year’s event truly stood out — the energy, engagement, and professionalism were second to none. It’s clear that FSB is deeply committed to amplifying the voices of its members, and I’m proud to have played a small part in it.

Already looking forward to the next one. A huge thank you to the FSB team!

Great interaction with other local business people at Speed Netwroking , International House, Canvey Island, Essex
Thank you Ann Scott and Cadtle Point Bc

I initially joined FSB a number of years ago and didn't really make the most of it however I re-joined a couple of years ago now and it's a brilliant resource for businesses across the board in addition to the opportunities to network and collaborate. Excellent value for money!

We met our local membership advisor Jane Martin having attended a networking event. We met for a coffee to discuss the benefits of what the FSB had to offer and we quickly saw that becoming a member for the networking alone was worth our yearly subscription however, Jane didn't want to just sign us up, she wanted to know about where our business was, what goals we had and any blockers we had that were preventing us to move forward.
At the time we had been chasing an unpaid invoice for 4 months and although it wasn't a huge amount for a Small Business it was a lot and the cost of seeking legal help outweighed the option of looking at this. Jane explained about the legal guidance and free documents that the FSB had to offer and within 24 hours of signing up we were able to get access to support and documents, another 48 hours later we had sent a letter and we had been paid the invoice. That invoice paid for our membership alone.

Since then we have worked closely with Jane and Tim Aker the Development Manager. We have attended networking events, been connected with businesses who have supported and grown our business, had a direct connection with local MP's to lobby issues and have utilised the legal support and insurance discounts.

We cannot thank the FSB for all it has done for us in growing our business and supporting our success. I will attribute this down to the incredible support we have in Jane and Tim who truly are assets to organisation.

I attended the speed networking today at the Plaza in Braintree. It was well organised, and well worth my time. It's a great way to meet many small business owners.

Had a lovely networking event with this business. The hosts make you feel welcome and give you a chance to be heard, a perfect opportunity to connect with others. Highly recommend for anyone who owns a small business to connect with others.

Joining the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has been one of the best decisions for my business. The support they provide is invaluable, from legal and financial advice to expert guidance tailored for small businesses.

What truly sets FSB apart is the thriving community and networking opportunities. I've made so many meaningful connections that have not only helped me grow professionally but have also led to new business opportunities. The events, webinars, and local meet-ups are packed with insightful information and real-world advice from fellow entrepreneurs.

FSB genuinely cares about small businesses, and their advocacy work ensures our voices are heard. If you're a small business owner looking for support, networking, and growth opportunities, I highly recommend joining FSB! 🚀👏