New union for auto-entrepreneurs

AUTO-entrepreneurs can join a new union - and be listed on an online searchable database of business types and departments.

In keeping with auto-entrepreneur’s theme of minimising formalities, people can join the Union des Auto-Entrepreneurs (UAE) by filling in a simple form, free of charge, on the website www.union-autoentrepreneur.com

The union aims to defend and promote the new business status, create a feel of community among auto-entrepreneurs and to help with business development.

A UAE spokeswoman said they chose the word 'union' rather than syndicat to avoid certain political overtones.

“When you hear syndicat in France you always think of something very politically-engaged and people making demands,” she said.

The union states it will answer members’ questions and offer suggestions on how to resolve administrative difficulties and access to services like insurers, accounting and training and to get good rates from suppliers.

Members are also invited to sign an online good practice charter and have this noted in their entry on a searchable database of auto-entrepreneurs which UEA members can be listed in. The database can be used by potential customers looking for a service in their area and they can search by department and 47 business types from financial services to astrology and fortune telling.

Union members can also use new online discussion forums and comment on a blog.

The president of the new union is François Hurel, author of a 2008 report to the government on sole traders which formed the basis of the auto-entrepreneur regime.

He was formerly head of APCE, the agency promoting entrepreneurship which has been running the auto-entrepreneur scheme in partnership with the government and he is president of the OECD entrepreneurship forum.

Mr Hurel said the numbers signing up so far as auto-entrepreneurs had exceeded all expectations. “This success is one of the rare good news stories at the moment and we should be pleased about it because a real revolution is taking place before our eyes,” he said.

He praised the French institutions - “sometimes attacked for slowness and lack of initiative” - which he said had adapted rapidly to the new business model.

He added: “Who would have dared to hope that the French - denounced by some people as the world champions of hand-outs and state help - would show such an appetite for individual initiative and taking responsibility?”

The Connexion has a helpguide on the auto-entrepreneur - France’s easiest way to start up a business. It is regularly updated with changes we report in the paper and costs €5.

You can view our helpguides by clicking here.