Area’s independent businesses and self-employed can now claim significant discount off direct business support
Subsidised package includes free business banking, 24/7 legal advice, HR support, tax guidance, late payment and financial help, insurances, health & safety information plus healthcare now on offer to SK Area businesses
New partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses
New and established independent micro businesses based within the South Kesteven district can benefit from discounted support from today, promising new help to SMEs amid challenging market conditions.
The council has teamed up with the Lincolnshire arm of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) to offer heavily discounted membership – which includes access to a huge range of support services, discounts and advice – to small businesses with up to ten employees and self-employed enterprises within the South Kesteven district.
As new legislation for employers and changes to national insurance contributions are all set to bear down on independent business this year, as well as shaky inflation figures and the ongoing “cost of doing business” crisis, local micro businesses are in need of increased support from the start of 2025. In response, SKDC is subsidising two-year FSB membership packages, saving up to 87% off the usual cost of bi-annual subscriptions, starting at just £50 for two years of membership. The support scheme is open to any self-employed, sole trader or businesses that employs up to 10 staff, from any sector, that are registered within South Kesteven. Start-ups and established businesses are equally entitled to apply for the support. The funding is being drawn from the district’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation.
Cllr Ashley Baxter, Leader of South Kesteven District Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, HR and Economic Development, said today: “I am delighted that we’re working in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses to offer support through reduced membership costs.
“The council is committed to doing all we can to promote small businesses. Almost five years after the pandemic, many continue to face a range of threats and challenges. The package of support offered by the FSB will be invaluable for businesses here in South Kesteven.”
Katrina Pierce, FSB’s Development Manager for Lincolnshire said this morning: “I am delighted to be working with South Kesteven to deliver direct support to the area’s small business and self-employed. SKDC has been clear with me that they aim to support the area’s smallest businesses to get through what are challenging times due to market and regulatory pressures, and by opting to work with us they have really powered up their provision and are giving valuable, practical and instant access to the most relevant business support service any firm needs. I am looking forward to helping SKDC to roll out this offer and to welcoming new members to our network as soon as possible.”
Once businesses take up the subsidised membership, they can access the full package of business support which will help firms to manage their HR issues, recover debt and get to grips with their legal obligations alongside 150,000 other businesses around the UK. The full membership package includes:
- 24/7 FSB Legal Protection hotline and online hub of 1,500+ legal documents, employment protection
- HR guidance including Employment Protection
- Tax Investigation Insurance
- Payroll and pensions
- Free Business Banking with The Co-Operative Bank, Allica Bank or Zempler Bank
- Debt recovery and late payment tools to help SMEs to get paid on time and in full
- Healthcare and wellbeing app
- Occupational health support
- Making Tax Digital service
- Card payment options
- FSB Funding Platform
- Health and Safety Advice
- Insurance service
- PR/Crisis helpline
- Online and in-person events
- Training
To apply for the discounted membership before 30th March 2025, contact Emma Wooltorton at emma.wooltorton@fsb.org.uk.
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