[Chris Cottrell]

I have been thinking of joining a local business forum where I live, We have a LBF here that campaigns on behalf of local businesses on matters that affect local people and business people about issues that could benefit them and/or their business growth and wonder if anyone here are members or have ever been part of anything similar were you live

Chris

[Chris Cottrell]

Does anyone have these around them or am I alone , I think probably not

[Trevor Knight]

Hi Chris,

I am a member of the Federation Of Small Business as well as a member of our local Chamber of Commerce.

For representing your business you will find the FSB more useful and certainly very powerful.

[sohoit]

Hi Chris
I am also a new member of the Federation of Small Businesses and my local North East Chamber of Commerce.  Both have their perks.

[Chris Cottrell]

Trevor / sohoit

Dont you find with the FSB they concentrate mainly on national issues and not possibly on the smaller local issues that would maybe have more impact on your business or you personally?

Chris

[sohoit]

Hi Chris

I cant really say at the moment as i have only just joined the FSB (this last month), but i do take your point as most of what i have seen is more national related.  I was considering creating a local business directory and forum for local small business in the Darlington area.

[Trevor Knight]

The FSB do generally focus on National issues.

Thats why I am in the Chamber of Commerce, this is more localised.