The chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) visited Thirsk this week, where he met with local members and council leaders.
Hambleton District Council launched a scheme with the FSB three years ago, to encourage local companies to join the representative body by offering heavily discounted rates to join. Joining enables businesses to access advice and support when they need it.
Since 2015 the council has supported 195 buinessess and individuals with an £50 subsidy towards the cost of membership and the FSB waives the joining fee.
This week the national chairman of the FSB, Mike Cherry OBE, visited Thirsk to meet local members and staff, and discuss the scheme’s benefits with council leaders.
He also presented the council with a certificate acknowledging it as ‘business friendly.’
“This partnership with Hambleton District Council helps the FSB to deliver our unique programme of membership benefits and support to local businesses, our overall aim is to help small businesses achieve their ambitions, and it is fantastic that Hambleton is such a business focused council which shares our vision,” he said.
“Hambleton is typical of North Yorkshire in that the majority of its businesses are small and micro in size and has a diverse range of successful businesses that are now benefitting from our joint help.”
District council leader, Councillor Mark Robson, added: “This scheme is unique in the UK – but is clearly working.
“To be able to give 300 businesses and business individuals this support is a great indictment of it – they can access advice and guidance on a whole range of services that are often very expensive to provide for a small operation.
“FSB’s membership is tailored to the smaller business and is great value for money – even more so with our financial support to sign up.”
To take advantage of the offer – or for more details – contact Adam Guttridge, FSB Membership Advisor on 07884 016504
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