Hi Neil I am a member and have been for about 8 years. Over the last year I have been participating in the local branch and must say it has been really worthwhile, not personally for business reasons as there aren't many potential customers for my products whereas if I was cleaning there would be. But its good to talk to other small business owners who on the whole have the same problems and challenges as carpet cleaners.
The social events have been really good, the local AGM was a laugh and one of the local members who imports Portuguese wine did a wine tasting session which was good but far too much wine followed by a cracking roast dinner, all free. I was also allowed to take guests so took 2 friends along with their wives and it was one of best nights of last year.
I only joined because of the free legal and the fact they will provide 3k worth of help for any tax investigation. I would however advise to get involved in the social events as they are good fun and you meet a whole strata of people from plumbers, florists, to accountants buts is no pressure unlike BNN and the likes. The magazine as well is full of really helpful advice and keeps you up to date with all the latest legislation. Like last weeks where it told me the EU are trying to standardise VAT returns across the EU. They want them to be Monthly, only for large companies at first but we all know it eventually filters down. More meddling and extra work from these beurocratic arsholes.