The Forum of Private Business (FPB) has reported an increase of more than 30% in the number of smaller firms joining up since the UK voted to leave Europe.
FPB managing director Ian Cass said the surge, which means the forum now has more than 30,000 members, could not just be explained by Brexit uncertainty alone.
Mr Cass added: “Uncertainty around Brexit has clearly been a factor in more businesses reaching out to the forum.
“But the increases in compliance and regulations such as pensions auto-enrolment, GDPR (the General Data Protection Regulation), digital tax and enhanced employee rights have led businesses to look not just for a lobbying voice, but also for tangible help in helping to manage the requirements that are being levelled on them.”
The forum’s focus on “providing solutions and genuine guidance” on managing issues such as employment law and data protection changes, rather than offering discounted utility services, was at the heart of the recent membership growth, he said.
He added: “The feedback we have had from members is that there is a plethora of discounts available online.
“What they really value is the ability to manage their risks and get advice from professionals when they need it in the knowledge that the forum is completely independent and not involved in any commission arrangements.”
