PCG versus FSB for freelancers/consultants?

Chia

Hi all. I'm about to set up as self-employed (sole trader offering freelance and consultancy in my field). Does anyone have any thoughts on whether it's better for freelancers/consultants to join the PCG or the Federation of Small Businesses?

I like the free banking you get with FSB membership, but am interested in the freelance focus of the PCG. I definitely don't want to be shelling out for both and was about to go for the FSB to get the bank account, but then thought I'd see if I could benefit from the wisdom of MSE first...

fguk

Pretty sure you can get free business banking from various places without signing up to the FSB.

That said, nothing wrong with the organisation for its other benefits.

paulwf

If the main concern is the free banking don't worry about that, for example HSBC provide 18 months free banking which would give you plenty of time to consider your options. Perhaps you could set up and then see what sort of services and support you actually need so you can make the best choice?

Mistral001

I have been in the FSB. It is a good organisation. Lots of meetings and seminars and lectures to attend (but that might depend on region). I met some freelancers in it, but most are people who run businesses with several employees in it.

I have not heard of PCG before. I looked at its website a moment ago and downloaded its free guide, which has some good things in it. I get the impression that they were originally set up for contractors working for a particular firm full time in that firm's offices rather than freelancers who work for several firms from home or in their own office.

Chia

paulwf wrote: »

If the main concern is the free banking don't worry about that, for example HSBC provide 18 months free banking which would give you plenty of time to consider your options. Perhaps you could set up and then see what sort of services and support you actually need so you can make the best choice?

Thanks - good to know about the HSBC offer.

Chia

Mistral001 wrote: »

I have been in the FSB. It is a good organisation. Lots of meetings and seminars and lectures to attend (but that might depend on region). I met some freelancers in it, but most are people who run businesses with several employees in it.

I have not heard of PCG before. I looked at its website a moment ago and downloaded its free guide, which has some good things in it. I get the impression that they were originally set up for contractors working for a particular firm full time in that firm's offices rather than freelancers who work for several firms from home or in their own office.

Thanks. Didn't know about the PCG freebie - I think I've now downloaded the one you mean. Based on some other forum comments around the internet, it looks like you're probably right about the type of freelancer they were set up to cater for. I plan to work from home for multiple clients per week, so hopefully won't run into IR35 problems.

All things considered, I'll think I'll go for the FSB. I wanted a legal helpline, contract templates and tax enquiry insurance and I don't think the PCG's version of these has the edge over what's offered by the FSB. And I'd like to try the Co-op as they're more ethical and I've had no problems using them for our household shopping account.

fguk

I wanted a legal helpline, contract templates and tax enquiry insurance

You might want to look at your local chamber of commerce in that case, some offer packages like that as part of the membership fee.

Depending on the "reach" of your business, being involved with the Chamber might get you everything you need, plus new clients.

prowla

I have free banking with Santander (previously Abbey).
PCG membership includes some insurance; they were founded to oppose the infamous IR35 white elephant.

Horace

Chia wrote: »

All things considered, I'll think I'll go for the FSB. I wanted a legal helpline, contract templates and tax enquiry insurance and I don't think the PCG's version of these has the edge over what's offered by the FSB. And I'd like to try the Co-op as they're more ethical and I've had no problems using them for our household shopping account.

If you already have a personal account with the Co-op, they may not allow you to have a business one via the FSB as well so be a bit wary of that.

I have been in the FSB for 3 years now and they are certainly worth the money, I have used their legal helpline quite a few times and have downloaded contract templates as well. I have banking and roadside assistance and am automatically covered in case the tax man takes an interest in me.

I haven't heard of lectures to attend, certainly not in my area, they do have some networking events that are free and these are sometimes open to non-FSB members so you can meet a good variety of people. I certainly don't go to all the meetings in my area.

Chia

fguk wrote: »

You might want to look at your local chamber of commerce in that case, some offer packages like that as part of the membership fee.

Depending on the "reach" of your business, being involved with the Chamber might get you everything you need, plus new clients.

Good point about the chamber. I wasn't too impressed with my local one as they gave me some initial information about free start-up advice for non-members, and then didn't reply to emails or phone messages when I actually wanted to book a slot.

I did have a look at their membership offering but then realised they were a part of the British Chambers of Commerce, which is too anti-regulation for my socialist tastes.

Chia

Horace wrote: »

If you already have a personal account with the Co-op, they may not allow you to have a business one via the FSB as well so be a bit wary of that.

Oooh, hadn't thought of the double jeopardy Co-op issue! Luckily it won't be a problem, according to the call centre guy I just spoke to.

Which is good, because I've gone ahead and taken the plunge - I'm all FSB'd up now and just waiting to hear from the rep who will apparently be visiting me.

Now I just need to find some clients!