had 2 cold calls from the above asking me to part with me hard earned to join them (around £290)
something about new goverment legislation and all small business will have to be registered.
is this true or just a scam to join something that you don't need to.
anyone else been contacted or know anything about them??

I havnt been contacted and sounds like a bit of a scam to be honest. I certainly have not heard of anything like this and would wait for the warning letter before i would conider it as i would never purchase anything i don't needhope this helps pal.

I haven't been contacted either, and I can't see any reason why small businesses should need to be registered. I would suspect a scam, particularly if you have been cold called.

YES! Someone called me on Friday, I think they said they were the federation of master tradesmen tho:confused:
Offered to sign-write my van, help finding new customers, legal help, blah blah, for £149 for the year.
They're just scaremongerers mate. If you're worth your salt, a bit of Yell Direct action and some word of mouth is all you need to keep busy, and keep people happy. It's a racket. Tell 'em knickers:D

I don't think the FSB would scare monger, I think someone is misrepresenting them. It does sound like a scam, but not from the real FSB.

There is new Government legislation regarding Money Laundering which you might have to be registered for.

Check with H M Revenue and Customs to see if you are affected.

If this is the legislation you have to register for it can be done a lot cheaper than £290.

The red tape is a bit of a mine field these days isn't it Chris, we must spend £1000's a year on compliance related 'reporting' or 'registration' costs.

I don't think the FSB would scare monger, I think someone is misrepresenting them. It does sound like a scam, but not from the real FSB.

The real FSB can be well worth joining, depending who you are and where you are they can offer services FOC or discounted that you use anyway. For example, someone I know has just joined the FSB and has received a discount on Streamline merchant services and some free insurance (something to do with tax investigation legal costs) which both more than cover the cost of joining.

Because of this though intermediaries try and con you out of additional funds. If you do want to join an organisation go directly to the organisation yourself and ensure they are genuine.