FSB have been working harder than ever before across the organisation to support their members and all small businesses with updates, FSBbinars and 1:1 telephone calls, and are also busy on social media, and print and broadcast media, as FSBll as using our research and members' case studies to influence support. FSB are working with the local authorities across Coventry and Warwickshire and Solihull and the CW Growth Hub to communicate information about the measures that are in place and how small businesses can apply for them.
FSB will continue to identify where measures are not operating as intended or where gaps or perverse incentives become apparent. FSB will then ensure that this - together with any suggested refinements - are relayed to yourselves and other local stakeholders.
* FSB have their Coronavirus Hub which is open to all small businesses (FSB Members and non-members) This is updated regularly and contains employer guidance, Government and general business advice and resources for looking after your mental health and FSBllbeing. This can be found here https://www.fsb.org.uk/campaign/covid19.htmlhttps://www.fsb.org.uk/campaign/covid19.html
* FSB offer their members a legal and employment helpline manned by solicitors and an online legal hub containing hundreds of templates and guidance documents including staff furlough letters, contracts, terms and guidance and checklists for employers. You might like to ask if someone is a member, as many don't realise the free support that's there for them.
* FSBbinars - FSB have hosted two recent FSBbinars on help and support for your business. These are free and available to view here for all users https://firstvoice.fsb.org.uk/first-voice/coronavirus-financial-help-explained-for-smes-and-the-self-employedhttps://firstvoice.fsb.org.uk/first-voice/coronavirus-financial-help-explained-for-smes-and-the-self-employed
* Media and Public messaging - if you would like to be added to their press release distribution list, or would like a quote from them, or a local case study, please let me know. You can find their key press releases here https://www.fsb.org.uk/media-centre.htmlhttps://www.fsb.org.uk/media-centre.html
Keep in Touch
As more information becomes available FSB are updating the coronavirus hub and using social media to get messages out to small businesses. Please do connect and Elanor Godbold and Lee Osborne will do their best to communicate support and information:
Twitter: @FSBFSBstMids and @FSBWarksandCov
Facebook: Federation of Small Businesses
Instagram: fsb_uk
LinkedIn: Federation of Small Businesses
FSB Warwickshire and Coventry Virtual Business Networking Events
On 16th March, FSB postponed all FSB events nationwide. Subsequently, FSB are trialling virtual events hosted by small businesses and on FSBdnesday this FSBek (1 April) FSB are holding our Coventry networking meeting online. FSB
FSB looks forward to rolling out their nationwide virtual programme in April. Please keep an eye on their events calendar at: https://www.fsb.org.uk/event-calendar.htmlhttps://www.fsb.org.uk/event-calendar.html
