Business Basics

When you’re setting up or running a small business you need all the help, advice, information and tips you can get your hands on.

Here are eight organisations that can offer you small business help. Better still, they offer lots of expert small business information for free!

* Gov.UK

On this site you can find advice about Government funding, grants, legislation and many aspects of starting a business. You can also find links to local organisations offering business help. This site collects together information previously held on many separate government sites including the Department for Business Innovation & Skills.

(Although it a UK-wide site there are different providers for information in parts of the country other than England – more info. coming up.)

Click on the ‘Business and Self Employed’ section.

Website: www.gov.uk

* Business Scotland

Business Scotland is a service provided by the Scottish Government and its local partners. It provides a single access point to a range of integrated services for businesses in Scotland. The website details start-up, growth and information services available here.

Website: www.business.scotland.gov.uk

* Business Wales

This one is like Gov.uk and Business Scotland but has information specifically for businesses in Wales.

Website: business.wales.gov.uk

* Invest Northern Ireland

This one has information specifically for businesses in Northern Ireland.

Website: www.investni.com

* Federation of Small Businesses

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is the voice of the small business sector and their website allows you to find out what they are saying to the media, Parliament and others in the political and economic fields. The website also contains information concerning important issues affecting small business.

Website: www.fsb.org.uk

* Forum of Private Business

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) offers advice on problems such as red tape, employment law, health and safety and many other issues. They offer practical help
through their unique business solutions and they also campaign to change laws and policies to help private businesses succeed.

Website: www.fpb.co.uk

* British Chambers of Commerce

The British Chambers of Commerce comprise a national network of accredited chambers of commerce, all representing businesses in their local area. You can find details of your local chamber of commerce this way.

Website: www.britishchambers.org.uk

* HM Revenue & Customs

You might not consider the tax man can actually help you with starting or running a business. But their sites has lots of useful resources relating to personal and company tax, employing others and VAT.

Website: www.hmrc.gov.uk