AFOBI joins the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
London, England (PRWEB UK) 31 July 2013 -- AFOBI is an acronym for ‘Affordable furniture of beauty and integrity’. Affordability is a key part of the company ethos. Membership fees for societies and clubs are often expensive. So why has a furniture shop focused on affordability decided to join the UK's largest campaigning pressure group? "Initially when the FSB approached us we were reluctant," informs Zack Newman, AFOBI company director, "But when it transpired that the FSB were a non-profit organisation and that there were numerous benefits for members we realised we would be foolish not to join."
Founded in 1974 the FSB now has 200,000 member businesses throughout the UK making it one of Britain’s most influential organisations. The FSB has successfully lobbied local and national government on numerous issues. Today the FSB is campaigning to on bankruptcy laws, business rates, high street parking, cybercrime and local government procurement. "Afobi limited is one of around 2000 new members who join us every month. Our total membership of around 200 thousand members makes sure that the small business community is well represented," comments Ted Wigzell, the central London chairman for the FSB.
So what are the benefits to membership to the individual businesses? "For Afobi the most important benefit so far has been the free legal advice. We have consulted with solicitors free of charge on issues such as supplier bankruptcy and distance selling regulations. Just this service has paid the annual membership by reducing our legal costs," comments Zack Newman.
In addition to legal advice the FSB also provide advice on taxation and pensions from qualified accounts and financial advisors. There are frequent FSB events for business networking and master classes on a variety of subjects such as how to access finance, export goods and work on presentation skills. Members also benefit from preferential banking rates and merchant service accounts.
The FSB is growing quickly. So what is the main appeal for small businesses? "Small business owners just don't have the resources to cope with the burden of bureaucracy," comments Ted Wigzell. "This is where being an FSB member helps as members get unlimited free advice and discounts on many business services. If you are in business then it really is a no brainer!"
Boilerplate
AFOBI was founded in 2012 by Zack Newman with the intention of offering sustainable choices to consumers that don’t cost a fortune. The company currently trades online and from showrooms in Forest Gate and Muswell Hill. Many of AFOBI's products are sourced from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified suppliers, a non-profit organisation that promotes responsible management of the world’s forests. Ranges include traditional and modern designs; free-standing kitchen, living room and bedroom furniture; fitted kitchen and bathroom furniture; and complete bespoke pieces. Afobi also supplies sustainably sourced solid wood flooring in a number of finishes. For more information please visit http://www.afobi.com.
Zack Newman, Afobi Ltd, http://www.afobi.com, 0-207-458-4069, [email protected]
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