FSB Members' Case Studies
Four businesses making the most of their FSB membership:
Paul Jennings - Electrical Concepts
“In 2006 I decided I wanted to increase my
business connections so I investigated networking groups in the Hertford
area and came across the Federation of Small Businesses. They had just
started a breakfast club in Ware so I made contact with Maree Atkinson.
I met with Maree and she took time to get to know my business, what the
issues were and explained what the FSB did to support companies like
mine.
Firstly I was delighted I could become involved in another networking
group and secondly I was amazed at the level of advice, support and how
I could save money for such a low membership fee.”
How FSB has benefited me
“I am now a regular attendee at the friendly
monthly breakfast meetings in Ware and I have found new suppliers and
potential clients.
It is also very reassuring to know that should I have any health and
safety, legal or employment issues I know I can immediately turn to the
FSB who help in so many ways.”
Recommendation to others
“Maree (FSB) is very supportive to me and so many other FSB members that
I have recommended membership to lots of other contacts. It really is
a "must have" for any business to give peace of mind and the
reassurance that advice is just a phone call away.”
Contact Details:
Paul Jennings
Tel: 01992 700 825
Mobile: 07801 546 990
Email
www.electrical-concepts.co.uk
Caroline Howells - ARCH Gardening
Hertfordshire’s 2006 Business Awards winner Caroline Howells of Arch
Gardening joined the FSB in 2002 when she moved to Stevenage and started
gardening.
Maree’s predecessor actually explained how the FSB could help her
business but Caroline comments ‘it wasn’t until Maree joined that everything
started to happen!’
“Maree encouraged me to go along to a networking event
and I even managed to pick up business on my first evening!! Since then she
has further encouraged me to have a slot in the "members corner" and
is always ready to introduce me to people who may have a garden that needs
attention or someone that may be a useful contact for me – it’s like
having my own PR Department!”
“The FSB has been very good for my growing
business. The legal line has helped with staff and employment issues and the
networking has meant that I have met other individuals who, like myself, are
new to self-employment and running their own company. I now have four staff
and picked up a Hertfordshire Business Award – the FSB has certainly helped
me get this far! I know that they will be there while my company continues
to grow and are certainly worth the small membership fee each year.”
“I shall
certainly continue my membership while in business and would recommend
others to join immediately!”
“As for Maree, I know she is out there supporting
businesses – and I know that she is always at the end of the phone or email
if I need to contact her – where else could you get such excellent service
– Thank You Maree!"
Contact Details:
Caroline Howells (RHS)
Tel: 01438 233 554
Mobile: 07801 546 990
Email
www.archgardening.co.uk
Capel Manor Trained and Fully Insured
Mark Tasker - The Dog Training Academy
Mark Tasker of The Dog Training
Academy joined the FSB in 2003 and is now a committee member for the
local FSB networking events. A seasoned networker Mark met Maree at a
local BNI meeting.
In the beginning Mark was a little reticent about joining,
as he was not convinced about how much benefit it would give him, but
agreed to give it a try for a year.
In his fourth year now and having built
up his client base as a direct result of attending regular the FSB’s networking
meetings, Mark is totally convinced that membership of the FSB is a must
for any small business.
Not only does it provide support, protection and
save money but also it gives local businesses the opportunity to network
with others in a friendly and cost effective way. As a direct result of
Mark’s enthusiasm he has introduced new people to the FSB and is a true
champion of what the FSB does.
Mark comments: “The FSB is without a doubt the best business organisation
I have been part of and I will continue being a member while I am in
business. I have met new clients, attended some great functions and found
new suppliers for my own needs. Coupled with that having Maree Atkinson
on hand is a real bonus and the peace of mind the organisation provides
is worth every penny”
Contact Details:
Mark Tasker
Tel: 01438 714643
Mobile: 07951 935546
Email
www.dogacademy.co.uk
Brian
Alexander, Tax Assist Accountants
“I first came across the Federation of Small Businesses when I joined
TaxAssist and I was recommended to find out more.”
“Although I have to admit I have always been rather skeptical of these
types of groups I decided to investigate further. So in 2003 I met Maree
Atkinson the local FSB Business Consultant and she took me through the
services that the FSB provides its members. It was explained to me that
businesses could be any shape, size and experience. My skepticism evaporated once
I was shown the range of services included in the annual fee. I decided
to join on the spot to secure some solid business support, information
and to save money on my businesses’ overheads.”
“In February 2005 the local FSB branch launched their own networking
meetings and I have missed very few. These meetings are relaxed, friendly,
informative and ideal for start up businesses as well as the more experienced.
I have made some good friends as well as new clients and suppliers. The
various showcase events delivered are excellent including the Curry Cobra
experience in 2006 and other more formal dinners where I have gladly
acted as host at one of the tables.”
“My experience of the FSB has been excellent. Not only has it met my
needs of being able to obtain accurate advice but also I have secured many
new clients and local contacts through the meetings. This has paid my
FSB membership fees over and over again and I will continue to introduce
new people to the FSB, in fact I recommend it to all my new clients, who
can take advantage of the superb legal and employment helpline and automatic
tax investigation insurance protection, plus so many other areas of support
for such a cost effective fee.”
Contact Details:
Brian Alexander
Tel: 01438 340111
Mobile: 07773 811325
Email
www.taxassist.co.uk/brianalexander
