At the Forum, we know how important it is to support new business start-ups in the early years of their operation as over 90% fail in the first 3 years of trading.

It is critical to have the right advice, support, and protection in place and that means more than just the average one size fits all business advice that is currently out there. Most new business owners find that, after a few months trading, they come up against the things they didn’t know and need help to overcome them.

The Forum celebrated 40 years in business in 2017, so we certainly do have the expertise and experience in helping small business owners face all different types of challenges.  From health and safety to our partner network helping to find the best source of finance or utility saving. Whatever the business challenge, we are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via our Forum Member Helpline who can be contacted on 01565 626001.

Forum Company Guide Download

The Forum Start-up Membership is available for businesses that are in the start-up phase of 1 year or less and have zero employees. You will enjoy a membership that is tailored to your business needs and we will provide support when you need it through our legal partner.  You will have immediate access to our Forum partner network, customisable employment and health and safety templates, business resources and a closed group discussion network forum for our members only.  All of this will be available through your membership login details that you will be issued with on sign up to the Forum Start-up Membership

Your membership will continue at the exclusive price of £99 per annum* for a further 2 years subject to you not employing staff (temporary, full or part-time). At the end of your first 3 years of trading, the membership price will be charged at our standard Forum membership prices as an established business.

IMPORTANT: Should you employ staff, part-time, full-time or temporary you will need to tell us during your membership and we will amend your subscription accordingly so that your staff will be insured under the membership terms and conditions.

Our membership advisors are available to support you as a start-up business to guide you through the challenges you potentially could face.  We work closely with many business industries and pride ourselves on ensuring we understand the challenges our members face on a day to day basis.

Join us today by quoting discount code STARTUP.

Included in your membership:

  • FREE Forum Digital Start-up Guide worth £150
  • FREE Comprehensive legal expense insurance worth approximately £175**
  • FREE access to our partner network resources
  • FREE access to download resources and mini-guides to help with setting up your business
  • Discounted company registration services
  • Unlimited 24/7 members helpline with practical Advice, Support and Protection***
  • Member's portal with a private discussion forum
Note: The Forum Employment Guide and Health and Safety Guide are an additional charge subject to Forum Membership subscription. For any queries please contact our membership advisors on  01565 626001 or email

join the Forum of Private Business today

To join the Forum online today select the number of employees within your business from the table below and follow the instructions.

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* Membership pricing displayed is exclusive of VAT and will be added at checkout. Forum Start-up Membership of £99 per annum is limited to a start-up business in their initial first 3 years of trading. Standard Forum membership prices will become applicable at the end of the 3rd year or if you employ an employee, whichever comes first. Standard Forum membership is available for established businesses. Full T&C's apply which can be found here
** Annual membership covers all directors/principles; there are no hidden costs or fees
*** you must contact the member helpline before acting in any situation which might result in a tribunal to ensure your business is covered by our legal expenses insurance

Thinking of becoming a member, but have a couple of questions? Ask our Membership Team: