Published: Fri 28th February, 2025

Businesses in Charnwood are being given the opportunity to access vital support through discounted memberships to the East Midlands Chamber and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

Through these exclusive offers, qualifying businesses in Charnwood can benefit from expert advice, networking opportunities and a range of services designed to help them grow and thrive, while saving more than 75% on the cost of signing up.

Charnwood Borough Council has allocated funding from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund to support these offers to local businesses.

Councillor Jennifer Tillotson, the Council’s lead member for economic development, regeneration, and town centres, said: “We are strongly committed to supporting our local businesses in every way we can.

“These discounts on Chamber and FSB membership will provide businesses with valuable resources to help them grow and succeed.

“I encourage all eligible businesses to take advantage of these fantastic offers while they are available.”

The Council has partnered with East Midlands Chamber to provide a limited number of discounted two-year memberships. Qualifying businesses will pay just £200 for the 24 months – a significant saving on the usual cost of up to £1,050.

The Chamber, the UK’s largest business support organisation, provides expert guidance, networking opportunities and resources to more than 4,000 members. It also hosts a range of events and training opportunities to help businesses in the region develop skills and drive success.

Businesses interested in joining the Chamber can call 0333 320 0333 and ask for the membership team or email membership@emc-dnl.co.uk.

Small businesses in Charnwood can also take advantage of discounts on a two-year FSB membership, with savings of up to 87%.

Sole traders with no employees will pay £50 instead of £390, businesses with 1-4 employees will pay £100 instead of £490, and businesses with 5-10 employees will pay £100 instead of £590.

This offer is available to businesses registered in Charnwood that have not held an FSB membership in the past two years.

FSB membership provides access to legal advice, tax protection, employment support, exclusive member deals and local networking opportunities.

Businesses interested in this offer can contact Emma Wooltorton at emma.wooltorton@fsb.org.uk for more details.

These offers are available for a limited time only and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Charnwood businesses are also reminded that they can sign up for free access to a digital platform aimed at helping them become more sustainable.

The Council is offering a limited number of two-year subscriptions to sustainability coaching platform Zellar, which sets out to simplify the process of calculating and understanding carbon emissions, enabling businesses to develop tailored decarbonisation plans.

Through the platform, businesses can track their progress, measure their impact, and report on their sustainability initiatives as part of their journey towards ‘net zero’.