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Federation of Small Businesses – ‘Free’ Banking and Legal Advice
I have been fortunate to help small businesses solve many problems. A common question is what professional organisation should I join? For instance, should I join my local Chamber of Commerce, networking groups and numerous trade associations? They all have their strengths and weaknesses, but like all things in business, the more you put in more you get back.
However, I can strongly recommend a SME joining the FSB. Why?
I have found the FSB banking offering and legal advice line to be excellent.
The FSB have an agreement with the Co-Operative bank, which since it has updated its online banking software, provides an excellent free online banking service. You can nominate a local post office to deposit cheques and cash.
The legal advice line, for employment issues, which I have used several times now, has been excellent. You do not get an immediate response, but you are called back typically within an hour, and the documentation and advice given is of a very high standard.
Author: Tim Jenner- Small Business Advisor, member of SGBA (tim.jenner@sgba.co.uk)
