Free federation memberships for Chelmsford businesses

Chelmsford City Council is financially subsidising business memberships to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

Small businesses in Chelmsford are to benefit from a support boost as they battle through the continual challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.  

First come, first served

Applications are now live and are being offered on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Around 160 self-employed, micro and small businesses with up to nine employees will be able to benefit from the scheme. A year’s fully funded FSB membership will be provided at no cost to the business.

If interested, contact FSB Membership Advisor, Jeremy Reeve at jeremy.reeve@fsb.org.uk or by calling 07518 902690. Business owners should add the words ‘Chelmsford Council FSB Membership Scheme’ to the subject field of their email. 

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“We are really pleased to have partnered with the FSB to jointly deliver our latest initiative to help our local businesses. We have provided a range of support and issued over £49million in business support grants throughout the last year to enable businesses to navigate the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

As we begin to look towards the future, we are building a comprehensive package of business support initiatives, to provide crucial support to help revitalise businesses and position them to make the most of future opportunities.

This partnership with the FSB is one such initiative which will help businesses at such an unprecedented time; through benefiting from the extensive range of services offered by the FSB, businesses will be able to look to the future from a position of strength.”

Councillor Simon Goldman, Deputy Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Small Business

What FSB memberships include

Businesses will be able to benefit from a range of services. Covering everything from legal and HR advice to insurance services, debt recovery, cyber protection and access to funding opportunities. They can also access a variety of networking and support events. Events are currently taking place virtually.

Lobbying is at the forefront of what FSB does. Members can benefit from having a powerful voice in Government; raising awareness of the issues affecting small businesses and campaigning for changes in law. Demand for services provided by FSB has been higher than normal. Many small businesses have fallen through the gaps of support. FSB and Chelmsford City Council took the decision to work in partnership to help small businesses navigate their way through the coming months. In doing so, they are protecting dozens of jobs which might otherwise be at risk.

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Simona Daniel, Development Manager for Essex, Federation of Small Businesses, said: “We would like to thank Chelmsford City Council for subsidising FSB membership at a time when so many businesses are under the cosh due to the pandemic.

FSB membership provides vital support including 24/7 legal advice and a legal hub containing fact sheets and documents which are oven-ready for use, a funding platform, medical care helpline, free debt recovery and cyber protection to name but a few of the benefits which our members are relying on most at this difficult time.

We look forward to supporting more businesses in Chelmsford to weather the storm and to not only survive but to thrive.”

Simona Daniel, Development Manager for Essex, Federation of Small Businesses

Find out more

Find out more about the full FSB membership benefits businesses get when they join.