Frequently asked questions

1. I can't see why it's necessary to join an organisation such as yours – surely I can access all the information I need on my own?

2. Saving money is really important to my business - how can you help me?

3. Can you get me finance?

4. I see that you offer legal expenses insurance – what is actually covered?

5. Do you offer a guarantee?

6. I'm just starting out in business – how can you help me?

7. I'm already a member of the FPB - can you help me to build my business?

8. Do you only advise very young businesses or can you help me, too?

Q. I can't see why it's necessary to join an organisation such as yours – surely I can access all the information I need on my own?

A. Sure, all the information you need is 'out there' – but do you really have the time or interest to find it yourself? As the saying goes, 'time is money' – and we can help you save hours of your valuable time by providing you with the solutions you need to get things right, first time. Knowing that all your paperwork is in order gives you peace of mind, which means that you can then focus all of your attention on building your business. It's hard to be creative, build relationships or make sales when you're constantly worried about whether or not you're complying with the legal requirements of running a business.

Worryingly, research has shown that 8 out of 10 businesses whose owners do not seek the kind of advice we offer fail within the first 3 years. Don't you owe it to yourself and your business to give yourself the best possible chance?

Click here to join the FPB.

Q. Saving money is really important to my business - how can you help me?

A. You're absolutely right to be focused on the 'bottom line' and, using the buying power of the thousands of businesses we represent, we've managed to negotiate some really great deals on your behalf. In fact, as a member of the FPB, you'll immediately be able to save more than £2,000 a year!

Q. Can you get me finance?

A. Of course we can't promise anything, but our special relationship with the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers means that you'll be able to get expert advice on identifying – and securing! – the right kind of finance for your business. And, just as importantly, we can advise you on all of the government initiatives which have been set up to help small businesses – including the Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme.

Still have questions? Click here to chat online with one of our helpful advisers now.

Q. I see that you offer legal expenses insurance – what is actually covered?

A. Most of our members benefit from our excellent legal expenses insurance package and the standard cover includes:

Employment disputes (tribunals)
Employment (tribunal) awards
Health and safety prosecutions
Tax enquiries and disputes (full enquiries, not the smaller 'aspect' enquiries)
Criminal prosecutions
Statutory licence protection
Jury service
Property protection
Data protection
Personal injury
Disputes with landlords

Up to *£75,000 of cover is available for each section listed, per claim. *Jury service cover is limited to a maximum of £1,000 per claim.

If you're using business-to-business contracts, you might also be interested in our 'enhanced' legal expenses insurance policy, which covers contract disputes. With our enhanced policy, your business will also be covered for debt recovery, which can be particularly beneficial if you offer extended payment terms.

Finally, if you're worried that a member of staff might set up in competition with you, our enhanced policy provides peace of mind with coverage for restrictive covenants.

The full range of cover under our 'enhanced' legal expenses insurance package, in addition to the standard package, is for:

Contract disputes
Debt recovery
Restrictive covenants
Motor disputes
Insolvency fees

Click here to join now!

Q. Do you offer a guarantee?

A. Offering great value for money is really important to us – and we're so proud of the all-round business support we provide to our members that we're prepared to put our money where our mouth is and offer a full 100% money-back, no quibble guarantee.

So, if you're not happy with the service we provide, we'll refund your money! (Of course, if we do get something wrong, we'd like you to give us a chance to put it right first!)

Q. I'm just starting out in business – how can you help me?

A. Starting out with a new venture is a really exciting time – and we understand that you want to be able to deal with the legal 'necessities' as quickly as possible.

To make things easy for you, we'll guide you step by step through all you need to know about setting up a limited company – including advising you of your responsibilities as a company director and telling you about your legal obligations (particularly in connection with health and safety, tax and VAT).

We're also on hand to help you develop a business plan, and find finance and grants. And, when you're ready, we'll also give you the guidance you need to recruit staff and set up contracts of employment.

Click here to join the FPB.

Q. I'm already a member of the FPB and really appreciate all the help you give me when it comes to fulfilling my responsibilities as an employer and company director – but I could really use some advice on how to build my business...

A. With us by your side, making sure that you fulfil your legal obligations is straightforward and easy – which means that you're free to focus on running your business.

Whatever your product or service, success in business ultimately comes down to knowing how to reach and sell to your target market. And because we're passionate about helping you with all aspects of your business, we've scoured the country to find the best experts and we've persuaded them to share their wisdom and expertise with you, through our library of business articles. Accessing this quality of guidance and advice would be expensive for you and your business – but, as a member of the FPB, you'll be able to get it all FREE!

You'll be able to learn everything you need to promote your business and make it a success, and ensure that you and your business fulfil all of your goals and aspirations.

Q. I've been in business for a while and no longer consider myself as a 'start-up' – however, I need advice on how to take things to the next level. Do you only advise very young businesses or can you help me, too?

A. We help businesses of all sizes and at all stages in their lifecycle. As well as our extensive online ‘business building' library, our members have full working-day access to our popular HelpLine, for guidance, support and advice on all business-related matters, including:

Property management
Importing/exporting
Business-to-business contracts
Taking payments by card
Business continuity planning
Intellectual property
Debt recovery
Consumer rights
Environmental issues

Click here to join now!