Federation Of Small Businesses Services

Federation of Small Businesses

Tortuga Consulting is pleased to be representing the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) across Mid & West Wales (Powys, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire). We support existing members and speak with self‑employed, micro and SME businesses about the value of membership.

FSB is a not‑for‑profit that also lobbies government to deliver real, practical wins for the small business community, including progress on tackling late payments and securing improved small business rates relief.

FSB is the UK’s leading membership organisation for small businesses and the self‑employed, with a 500,000+ strong community. Members can save over £1,000 on essential business cover from day one and have access to 24/7 expert advice when they need it most.

Protect Your Business. Secure Your Future. Join the FSB Today.

The UK's Leading Voice for Small Business – Fighting for You Every Day

Running a small business in today's challenging economic climate has never been tougher. With 62% of UK small businesses owed money from unpaid invoices, 27% of business owners expect to shrink/sell/shut fearing closure by the end of 2025, and 40% of SMEs identifying increasing costs as their top obstacle, you need more than just determination to succeed – you need the right support, protection, and advocacy.

That's where the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) comes in.

Small Business

Why 160,000+ UK Business Owners Choose FSB

For over 45 years, the FSB has been the UK's leading business organisation, exclusively dedicated to supporting small businesses and the self-employed. We're not just another membership organisation – we're your business lifeline, your legal shield, and your voice in government.

The stark reality: 309,000 businesses closed in the UK in 2023, with late payments alone costing SMEs an average of £22,000 per year and contributing to 50,000 business closures annually.

The FSB difference: Our members don't just survive – they thrive, protected by comprehensive legal support, expert advocacy, and cost-saving benefits that more than pay for themselves.

Your Complete Business Protection Package

24/7 Legal Protection & Expert Advice

  • 24-hour legal advice helpline staffed by qualified UK solicitors

  • Over 1,400 legal documents and templates covering contracts, policies, and compliance

  • Employment law support – crucial when 29.5% of SMEs struggle with recruitment issues

  • Tax investigation insurance – essential protection when HMRC investigations are rising by 21% for small businesses

Powerful Government Advocacy

  • Your voice in Westminster – we've successfully lobbied for business rate relief, employment allowances, and late payment legislation

  • Policy influence that has saved UK small businesses millions in taxes and regulatory burdens

  • Brexit support that helped members navigate complex new regulations

  • Active campaigns against unfair business practices and excessive red tape

Comprehensive Business Insurance Services

  • Award-winning business insurance tailored for small enterprises

  • Free insurance policy reviews and risk assessments

  • Business continuity planning toolkit – vital when 21% of businesses report disruptions but 62% lack adequate coverage

  • Up to 10 free credit checks and credit risk analysis

Cost-Saving Member Benefits

  • Exclusive discounts on essential business services including banking, insurance, and training

  • Networking opportunities through local and national events

  • Business development support and industry recognition programs

  • Expert resources including webinars, guides, and market insights

Financial Protection & Support

  • Debt recovery assistance – crucial when 52% of SMEs suffer from late payments every quarter

  • Professional indemnity support – the most common business insurance claim type at 26% of all claims

  • Cyber security guidance – essential when cyber incidents cost UK businesses £4.21 billion annually

Late Payments Crisis:

  • 62% of UK small businesses are currently owed money from unpaid invoices

  • Average amount owed: £21,400 per business

  • 50,000 businesses close annually due to late payment issues

HMRC Investigation Risks:

  • 21% increase in tax investigations targeting small businesses and sole traders

  • Average investigation costs: [£5,000 in professional fees]

  • Investigations can extend up to 20 years back for deliberate errors

Employment Law Challenges:

  • 97,958 employee-led early conciliation cases in 2023-24

  • Average unfair dismissal award: £13,749

  • Average disability discrimination award: £44,483

Business Closure Reality:

  • 27% of small firms expected to shrink, sell or shut (vs 25% expecting growth) in 2025

  • 309,000 businesses closed in the UK in 2023

  • 84.2% of businesses view rising costs as their biggest challenge

The Reality: Your Business Needs Protection


Starting from just £195 per year – FSB membership delivers exceptional value that typically saves members far more than the annual cost through:

  • Legal advice that would cost £300+ per hour privately

  • Insurance discounts that can save hundreds annually

  • Tax investigation protection worth thousands if needed

  • Employment law support preventing costly tribunal claims

  • Advocacy wins that have saved the sector millions in regulatory costs

Membership Investment That Pays for Itself


FSB Trustpilot Rating:

  • 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 701 reviews

  • 84% are 5-star reviews (excellent satisfaction)

  • Only 6% are 1-star reviews (very low dissatisfaction)

  • 100% response rate to negative reviews (within 48 hours)

  • Rated "Excellent" by members who praise FSB's networking events, legal support, and community as "invaluable" and "inspiring"

Don't wait for a crisis to find protection. With 40% of SMEs citing increasing costs as their top challenge and 84.2% of businesses struggling with rising expenses, the question isn't whether you can afford FSB membership – it's whether you can afford to be without it.

Every day you delay is another day of unnecessary risk.

Join the UK's Most Trusted Business Organisation


Ready to Protect Your Business?

Join over 160,000 UK business owners who trust FSB to protect their livelihoods.

Scan the QR code with your camera app or visit My FSB Portal and join us today, selecting direct debit ensures immediate coverage. You’ll receive your membership details and log in and we’ll be in touch to welcome you aboard!

A teal and white QR code with the text 'SCAN ME' below it.

More information before making a decision?

Want to discuss the immediate and long term benefits of membership before making a decision?

Please Contact Us where you can book in a 1:1 appointment to suit you. Our simple scheduling planner allows you to choose a date and time from the available options.

You've built something valuable. With FSB, you can make sure it stays that way."

Small Business Support

References:

  1. QuickBooks Small Business Late Payments Report 2025 (62% of UK small businesses owed money; £21,400 average amount owed; late payments cost SMEs £22,000 annually; 50,000 business closures annually from late payments)

  2. UK Government Late Payments Research (crack down on late payments legislation; government support package for small businesses)

  3. Statista UK SME Obstacles Survey (40% of SMEs cite increasing costs as top obstacle)

  4. TaxAssist HMRC Investigation Statistics (21% increase in tax investigations targeting small businesses)

  5. FreeAgent HMRC Investigation Guide (£5,000 average investigation costs in professional fees)

  6. Wright Hassall Employment Tribunal Statistics (97,958 employee-led cases in 2023-24; £13,749 average unfair dismissal award; £44,483 average disability discrimination award)

  7. Money.co.uk Business Insurance Statistics (cyber incidents cost UK businesses £4.21 billion annually; 26% of business insurance claims are professional indemnity)

  8. Firestarter Solutions SME Challenges Report (84.2% businesses view rising costs as biggest challenge; 29.5% have recruitment issues)

  9. ONS Business Demography 2023 (309,000 business deaths in UK in 2023)

  10. FSB Small Business Index 2025 (27% expect to shrink/sell/shut vs 25% expect growth) *Business Matters, summarising FSB Q2 2025

All figures accurate as of August 2024