Save Time
As a busy business owner, you can save time by using our business helplines and online resources to find quick solutions to the issues you and your business face. Our in-house team are here to help which saves you time to do what you do best, to grow and develop your business!
Save Money
As a forum member, you don’t have to spend money on experts and consultants, because as a Forum member you have free access to information, tools, and templates, all backed up by our in-house business advisers. We also have a selected partner network that provides free and discounted services to Forum members.
Reduce your Risks
By not being compliant with the ever-changing rules and regulations, business owners can find themselves facing thousands of pounds in costs as well as hours of worry and distress. With over 40 years of experience, the Forum helps you to avoid the pitfalls to stay compliant. We are the perfect partner for any small business.
Benefits of Forum membership
Use of the Forums general business helpline to help with any issues no matter how small, solving your business problem is just a phone call away.
Forum guides covering employment, health and safety, tax, GDPR and all compliance issues a business face, providing help and guidance that any small business owner can use.
Easy to use tools, templates, and procedures to save you time and money.
If you have an issue that requires legal support, membership includes a legal advice line provided by our legal partner.
Regular business updates through our email newsletter.
Regular online training addressing key small business issues for you and your staff, keeping you and your business up to date with new ideas, processes, and standards.
We are a not-for-profit organisation which means we invest any money we make back in to the business to provide better support, products and services for our members.
Access to the Forums carefully selected partner companies, experts who can help you in several specialist areas.
Our partner network
Finance: Access to funding, improving cash flow, advice on credit and debt plus a free financial health check.
Insurance: Free review of your existing cover and a tailored discounted insurance solution.
Legal Services: Employment, Tax and HR advice as well as the free helpline and discounted specific legal services.
Purchasing: Our purchasing partner provides buying power and purchasing know-how. Offering large savings for any small business.
Health Care: My Health PA is a ground-breaking new service working with both the NHS and Private Healthcare providers to deliver Forum members a cost-effective alternative to Private Medical Insurance.
Marketing: Access to marketing services built around your business with a Forum discount, business planning, continuity, and succession planning.
Press and PR: A PR management service that gives you the platform to get your brand name in front of the people writing articles, commenting and interviewing.
Health and Safety: Supported by our Health and Safety guide, our H&S partner provide trusted, practical Health and Safety support services to small to medium-sized companies in the UK.
Payment Services: Merchant services, discounted terminals, tailored contracts and online payment solutions.
Technology and IT: Technology advice and services at discounted rates
Pensions: Up to date pension advice.
Membership from as little as £120*
Sole trader 0 employees
£120 +VAT per annum
Micro business 1-4 employees
£180 +VAT per annum
Small business 5-49 employees
£360 +VAT per annum
Medium business 50-250 employees
£540 +VAT per annum
Large business 250+ employees
Price on application
Become a member today and join here
Forum Sole Trader Membership of £120* per annum is for sole trader businesses only with zero employees. If your business then employs staff you will need to advise the Forum of Private Business immediately and your membership subscription will be amended.
Annual membership covers all directors/principles; there are no hidden costs or fees.
Forum Guides are available at an additional charge subject to Forum Membership subscription criteria. In order to download templates, you will need to be a member of the Forum of Private Business.
If you have any further queries please contact our membership advisors on 01565 626001 or info@fpb.org. Full T&C’s apply which can be found here.
* Membership pricing displayed is exclusive of VAT and will be added at checkout.
The Forum, who we are and what we do
The Forum of Private Business is a not-for-profit comprehensive business support organisation founded in 1977. Our membership is spread throughout the UK and primarily made up of companies that employ between 0-50 employees. We help you to manage your employees, save time and money and provide essential business support when you need it.
But all businesses are different, so each business needs a tailored approach based on the type of business you run and the risks you face. That is why we try to get to know you and your business so we can advise you accordingly and make ‘doing business’ easier, keeping you up to date through the ever-evolving maze of legislation and red tape issues, reducing your risks and giving you confidence and peace of mind.
Our priority is that you should not run into difficulties in the first place, meaning you do not have the financial cost as well as the cost of time, stress and worry involved in dealing with an issue.
In 2020 the Forum decided to provide more proactive, preventative tools and services for our member businesses, and we deliver these in a practical way that is easy for you to implement. By doing things more proactively, we can make sure you are compliant, reduce your risks and give you more time to be able to focus on your business.
We have implemented a risk dashboard that will enable us to provide advice tailored to your business, so we can work proactively to make sure you are compliant and reduce the risk of any negative issues.
You have access to both our general and legal business helplines and a 24-hr crisis line if the worst does happen. During office hours you can talk to a friendly advisor who can help you find answers and solutions to your business questions.
This support service gives our members peace of mind which is important when you are running a business. Business owners do not have the time to know everything which is why Forum members have a big advantage over other businesses.
We believe businesses that seek advice are more likely to succeed and become successful. With Forum Membership, your business will have access to a team of experienced advisors and a partner network that will be able to share their knowledge and services at a discounted rate.
You will also have access to a toolbox of resources including comprehensive business guides and templates for you to edit and use within your business.
Everything we do is about making sure our members’ businesses operate better and this means that every penny we make goes back into supporting our members, providing the support and resources that will enable a business to flourish and grow.