FSB Help for Business

We’ve been inundated with calls, emails and texts from many, many businesses right across the Highlands. All are expressing their concerns and fears about the future of their businesses, not least having the cash to pay their staff and the many other bills that come their way at this time of year.

Our approach is simple:

First, we are talking to local and national governments about additional measures that may be required to support the self-employed and SMEs through this difficult time.

Second, we are doing our best to offer relevant and useful support and guidance to members and non-members alike. We are all in this together, and only by working together can we hope to avert the worst of the damage being done to our economy and communities.  

We have created a dedicated business support hub, containing a wide range of useful, constantly updated information. This is open to all businesses, non-members included.

Some Important FSB Services

FSB members continue to have access to some really important business services:

FSB Legal Protection Scheme
All our members have access to the FSB Legal Hub through their online account, providing a reliable source of over 430 factsheets and in excess of 750 legal documents including employment law, health & safety and business law. FSB members also benefit from having free access to our 24/7 legal advice helpline, staffed by a team of qualified UK-based solicitors. They can be reached on 03450 727 727 - membership numbers must be produced when consulting them.

FSB Insurance Service
FSB members registered with FSB Insurance Service have immediate access to a business continuity planning toolkit which provides useful help and guidance. We are also recommending that members check the business interruption section of their Commercial Business Insurance policies to establish whether they include notifiable disease extensions. If so, there could be some limited cover available, subject to specific terms and conditions. We recommend that they speak to their insurer or insurance broker as soon as possible to establish their personal levels of cover. As always, the FSB Insurance Service team is available if members have any questions, or if they would like to discuss their insurance with an advisor. Call 020 3883 7976 Monday-Friday 9am-5.30pm excluding bank holidays.

FSB Care
During this unprecedented situation, the health and wellbeing of our members is more important than ever. Through the FSB Care Service, provided free of charge, members can access a personal nurse adviser, an experienced Registered Mental Nurse or a General Nurse, and all provide practical advice and emotional support. The same nurse will keep in regular contact, and as required: provide help navigating the NHS or other health services; signpost charity and support groups; undertake research on members’ behalves; suggest a course of appropriate therapy or counselling; or simply provide a listening ear. To access FSB Care, please call 01978 227532 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays. In addition, members can access a dedicated local support team, whose details can be found via our website or via the Customer Services Team.

To find out how the Federation of Small Businesses can help your business call or email their Highlands & Islands Membership Advisor, Jim Aitken, on 07716 192626; email jim.aitken@fsb.org.uk – or take a look at their website: www.fsb.org.uk

Please do feel free to share this information.