Our members

Local business advice

We have been supporting private businesses since 1977 and represent more than 25,000 companies with, collectively, more than 600,000 employees.

Our membership base is made up of independent businesses, from individuals establishing businesses for the first time to established companies with multi-million-pound turnovers and we have members in almost every sector and town across the UK.

Meet some of our members

Carol Hack, Capernwray Diving and Leisure, Carnforth

When entrepreneur Carol Hack first glimpsed a disused quarry, she saw a business opportunity where many would have dismissed it as a hole in the ground. Eleven years later, the site in Carnforth, Lancashire has been transformed into a large open air pool enjoyed by around 30,000 scuba divers each year.
Read more >

Charles Edwards, Charles Edwards Antiques, London

Charles Edwards developed a passion for antiques while at university, starting his own dealership in 1965. Sixteen years ago, he seized the opportunity to move into the reproduction lighting market and When he expanded his business, which is based on the King's Road, London, Mr Edwards decided to join the FPB. Read more >

Andy Ince, Harrison Ince, Manchester and Edinburgh

Epiphanies, by their very nature, come when you least expect them. Andy Ince's came whilst he was waiting in the queue to have his photograph taken as a new student on the architectural course at Manchester University. More than 20 years later, Paul Harrison, the person he stood next to in the queue that day, simply by virtue of their surnames, is his business partner and co-founder of their award-winning business, Harrison Ince architects. Read more >

Vanessa Hyde, Hyde Accountancy Service, Warminster

Close your eyes and imagine an accountant. What do you see? Probably a man wearing a grey suit, black patent shoes and sporting a clipboard. If you had to speak to him (or her), you would probably reel back in anticipation of a conversation about tax thresholds, VAT relief schemes and train timetables in East Anglia. What you certainly would not imagine is Vanessa Hyde, an accountant who, as she is quick to point out, is far from conventional. Read more >

Hear what more of our members have to say about us by watching our video 'Real Members, Real Benefits' online now.

You can also browse our frequently asked questions to find answers to your queries about membership of the FPB.

Click here to join the FPB.