Weds 25th September 2024
Joining WBG today was the local membership advisor for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Jane Martin. Jane was previously a councillor in Ashford Borough Council, and so has a long history of working with local businesses.
The FSB is celebrating its 50th birthday this year, twice the age of WBG! It has over 185,000 members and is the largest not-for-profit organisation supporting small businesses in the UK. It runs a High Street Report yearly, using the results to lobby government for better support for its members. Current issues that impact local businesses include connectivity, business rates and parking.
There are about 79,000 small businesses in Kent (not all are FSB members) with 400-500 starting each year, and a similar amount closing their doors. With membership starting at £195 per annum, the FSB offers a range of services to support them, including
- Legal advice
- HR services
- Networking events
- Free business banking
- Insurance