FSB membership can be a complete game-changer, but only if you understand what it gives you — and how to actually use it. That’s where I come in.
I’m Christine Steele, your local FSB membership advisor. I work with sole traders, freelancers, and small business owners across Bristol and beyond — people just like you who are trying to juggle everything without dropping the ball.
Telephone 07850 935987 or book an appointment in my calendar
Let’s be honest — joining a membership organisation can feel like a leap. You don’t want to get talked into something. You don’t want another subscription you’ll forget about. And you definitely don’t want to deal with automated phone lines and “support” that doesn’t support you.
That’s why the FSB does things differently — and why my role exists.
I’m your local FSB Membership Advisor for Bristol and the surrounding areas. I am self-employed and I don’t have sales targets. I’m simply here to help you figure out if the FSB is right for your business, and if it is, I’ll make sure you actually get what you paid for.
That means:
I’ve always believed that small business owners are the backbone of our communities. You take risks, wear a dozen hats, and still show up every day determined to make it work — often with no one in your corner. That’s why I do what I do. I love being the person who can cut through the jargon, give you straight answers, and help you make confident decisions about your business. When we talk, you can expect a friendly, honest chat — no hard sell, no pressure.
I love being the person who can suggest whether you need to speak to Tax Dept, HR Dept, Legal Dept, H&S Dept or PR & Crisis Advisor where you will speak to an expert and get the most out of your memberships with expert advice. I love connecting members together and creating collaborations between members.
If you’re like most small business owners I talk to, you’ve probably wondered:
If you already know FSB is the right fit for your business and you’re ready to unlock expert support, exclusive savings, and powerful protection — no need to wait. Just scan the QR code and join online in minutes.
No appointment, no fuss — just a smarter way to protect and grow your business.
If you’re like most small business owners I talk to, you’ve probably wondered:
Will you use every single benefit in the first week? Probably not. But even just one or two of them can cover the cost of your membership.
You don’t need all the answers. You just need someone who’s got your back.
What You Can Expect:
Common Scenarios:
Testimonials
FSB membership starts from just £195 a year for sole traders, with pricing based on the size of your business. Whether you’re self-employed or managing a team, the cost stays fair and proportionate — no hidden extras, no unexpected charges. You’ll get 24/7 access to legal and tax experts, HR support, business protection, and over 1,500 ready-to-use documents.
The real value? Even using just one or two of the benefits — like legal helplines or tax investigation cover — can save you more than the membership costs. And with someone local (that’s me, Christine Steele) to help you choose the right level and walk you through the process, there’s no guesswork involved.
It’s a fair question — and one I hear all the time. The truth is, most members don’t use everything, but nearly all of them use something. And for many, that one benefit — whether it’s the legal advice line, tax investigation cover, or a discounted service — ends up saving far more than the membership cost itself.
But here’s the key difference: you won’t be left to figure it out alone. When you join through me, I’ll help you understand exactly what’s available, what’s relevant to your business, and how to access it when you need it. So instead of benefits gathering dust, you get support that actually makes a difference.
Absolutely — in fact, I’d strongly encourage it. Choosing whether to join the FSB is an important decision, and you deserve straight answers from someone who understands your business, not a faceless call centre or chatbot.
I’m Christine Steele, your local FSB Membership Advisor for Bristol and the surrounding area. If you’d like to talk things through — whether it’s understanding the benefits, figuring out which membership level is right for you, or just asking, “Is this actually worth it for me?” — I’m here to help. No pressure. No hard sell. Just a genuine, helpful conversation.
You’re not left on your own — far from it. Once you join the FSB, I’ll personally walk you through what to do next. You’ll receive your login details, confirmation of your membership, and immediate access to your benefits — including legal advice lines, downloadable templates, and support tools.
From there, I’ll check in with you to make sure you’re confident using the benefits that matter most to your business. Whether you want help with a specific issue or just need pointing in the right direction, I’ll be here — not just at the start, but whenever you need support down the line.
No — you do not need to be VAT registered to join the FSB.
Whether you’re just starting out, trading part-time, or running a side hustle, FSB membership is open to businesses at every stage — including sole traders, freelancers, and self-employed professionals who haven’t hit the VAT threshold yet.
What matters is that you’re running a business, not how big it is or how far along you are. In fact, many members join precisely because they want support before they grow.
That’s absolutely fine — in fact, you’re exactly the kind of person the FSB is here to support.
You don’t need to be full-time, VAT registered, or turning over six figures to join. Whether you’re freelancing evenings and weekends, testing the waters with a new idea, or running a side business alongside your main job, FSB membership gives you access to expert advice, legal protection, and practical tools — just like any other small business.
Plenty of members start out part-time. The support’s there to help you stay protected, feel confident, and grow when you’re ready — on your terms.
Yes — absolutely. You’re never locked in.
FSB membership runs on a yearly basis, and when your renewal comes around, it’s entirely your choice whether you continue. There are no hidden cancellation fees, no fine print, and no awkward calls. You’ll get a reminder before it renews, and if you feel it’s not right for you anymore, you simply don’t renew.
Of course, we hope you stay. Most members do — because once they experience the support, savings, and peace of mind the FSB offers, they see real value. But the choice will always be yours.
Not at all. FSB membership is open to all businesses — not just limited companies.
Whether you’re a sole trader, freelancer, partnership, or a company with staff on the books, you’re eligible. In fact, many members are self-employed individuals without a registered company or team — and they still get full access to legal support, templates, protection, and more.
If you’re running a business, the FSB is here to support you — whatever shape that business takes.
Yes — and if you’ve ever chased an unpaid invoice, you’ll know how valuable that support can be.
As an FSB member, you’ll have access to tools and advice to help recover debts professionally and effectively. That includes free template letters, practical guidance on how to follow up, and access to a legal team if things need to go further — with fixed-fee options for formal legal action.
And you’re not on your own. If late payment is becoming a pattern in your business, I can help you understand what support is available, how to access it, and what steps you can take to protect your cashflow moving forward.
When you join the FSB, you get real, practical support — not promises. Here are just a few of the many benefits you’ll gain (there are far too many to list here!):
24/7 legal & business advice helpline — speak to qualified professionals when you need help with contracts, disputes, regulations or compliance.
Legal protection & insurance — cover for tax investigations, employment tribunal costs, and more.
Access to 1,500+ documents & templates — ready-to-use contracts, policies, plans and legal paperwork.
Member-only discounts & cost savings — on training, banking, business services and other essentials.
Debt recovery help — tools, templates, and support to chase late payments effectively.
HR & health & safety support — advice for managing staff, compliance, risk assessments and more.
And that’s just scratching the surface.
If you’re after a specific kind of support — whether it’s marketing, tax, dispute resolution or something more niche — call me and I’ll tell you exactly whether the FSB can help in your scenario, and how to get it.
For a full breakdown of all the benefits and membership costs, check out this page.
Have questions specific to your business? Let’s Chat.
Choose Your Next Step: