CCR Magazine

The business landscape is changing. With economic conditions still extremely challenging, research from the Forum of Private Business (FPB) shows that 66% of businesses want external support – including someone to talk to for advice and information. 

Formed in 1977, the FPB is also evolving following a year of intensive research about the real needs of small businesses.

As an invaluable extension to its members’ teams the not-for-profit organisation has developed a range of tailored business solutions to support, protect and reassure small firms throughout the lifecycle of their businesses.

While larger companies can afford to invest many thousands of pounds employing senior managers across disciplines such as finance, HR, health and safety and legal compliance, it is beyond the financial means of most small firms.

As an essential ‘extra member of staff’ the Forum of Private Business  is helping business owners and managers by providing comprehensive support, advice and practical guidance across every aspect of business,  through a range of tailored solutions to real business problems at a fraction of the cost of recruiting and retaining full-time managers.

Bringing together their extensive knowledge and experience the Forum of Private Business’ staff, advisers and partners are ‘the business people’ working to save small businesses time and money by providing all of the resources required to start and grow a successful business.

The Forum of Private Business’s new solutions are: ‘Finance Director’, ‘Legal Director’, ‘HR Director’, ‘Health and Safety Director’, ‘Development Director’, ‘Purchasing Director’, ‘Communications Director’ and ‘Managing Director’.

The Forum of Private Business also realise that every business needs different levels of support and guidance and so therefore are providing members with the option of four different membership packages. 

The membership options begin with ‘Introductory’, a basic business support package that is available free of charge.  The next level of membership package is ‘Intermediate’ and then ‘Advanced’, with increasing levels of business support and related services.  Finally, there is an ‘expert’ membership package which includes the fully tailored business services, focussing on the specific needs of the business.

FPB Chief Executive Phil Orford said: “Like any other small business, the Forum is adapting to fit in with a changing market. We’ve entered a new economic era and, in order to reflect that, we’ve made some important alterations to what we’re offering our members.

“Our new support package is designed to help with every aspect of running an SME. It means that for a modest annual fee, even the smallest of businesses can call on all the back office resources of a multinational company.

“We will help with everything, from workplace legislation and tax regulations, through to purchasing and business development, leaving you free to get on with the day-to-day running of your business.”

Mr Orford added: “As it was when the Forum was founded in 1977, the key to all this is strength in numbers. The Forum can only offer everything it does, and give small businesses a powerful collective voice, because of its sizable membership.

“It’s literally a case of ‘united we stand’ and I hope a new generation of entrepreneurs will come to enjoy the extensive benefits that membership of the Forum of Private Business brings.”

(Source - FPB Press Release)