National Business Support

Official UK government website  

Websites: General advice for businesses: www.gov.uk/browse/business; specific advice for setting up a business: www.gov.uk/browse/business/setting-up  

The website offers tools and guidance for businesses and self-employed people and a Business Support Helpline: Telephone: 0800 998 1098; enquiries@businesssupporthelpline.org  

 

HMRC 

Website: HMRC webinars and forums 

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) offer a series of free online presentations or ‘webinars’ to give tax help to businesses and the self-employed. 

  

Companies’ House 

Website: Companies House  

Company details are registered here. This is also where company accounts are filed. 

 

UK Department for Business and Trade 

Website: Made in the UK 

This website provides information and advice for UK exporters. 

Website: Finance and support for your business  

This is a searchable website to help businesses find finance support. 

 

Brexit Guidance 

Website: Travel or do business in Europe: Brexit guidance - GOV.UK 

Advice is provided on importing and exporting, transporting goods and providing services to the EU.  

 

British Business Bank  

Websites: British Business Bank and Start Up Loans  

The British Business Bank is a government-owned business development bank. It provides information, guidance and links to sources of finance including start-up loans through trusted partners.   

 

Innovate UK

Website: Innovate UK Business Growth (ukri.org)

Innovate UK is funded by the Government to provide advisory support for innovative high growth potential businesses. You can be an early stage, growth stage or scaling business with up to 250 employees.

 

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 

Website: Farming and land management  

The website covers registering of land, funding and rural payments, planning permission for farmers and farming advice. 

  

Food Standards Agency  

Websites: Starting your food business safely; Allergen checklist for food businesses  

The Food Standards Agency has a section on its website with advice for those starting up food businesses. It provides advice packs specific to caterers, retailers, restaurants and take-away businesses and those providing food in childcare or residential settings. It also provides advice on allergen information and avoiding cross-contamination.  

 

Health and Safety Executive  

Website: Health and safety basics for your business   

The Health and Safety Executive provides guidance and tools to help businesses meet their H&S obligations. They also offer free publications and advice leaflets for different sectors and topics.  

 

Valuation Office Agency 

Website: Business rates: Overview 

This website explains how your business rates are calculated and what help may be available. 

 

Independent business organisations 

Confederation of British Industry 

Website: CBI | Confederation of British Industry 

The CBI is a membership and lobbying organisation. 

 

Federation of Small Businesses   

Website:www.fsb.org.uk; knowledge hub: FSB Knowledge Hub  

The Federation of Small Businesses is a membership organisation which offers a wide range of business services including advice, financial expertise, support and a voice which is heard in government. Its knowledge hub provides resources which are free for all to access.  

 

National Enterprise Network 

Website: About Us - National Enterprise Network 

The National Enterprise Network is a membership organisation for micro, small and start-up businesses. 

 

Enterprise Nation  

Website: Enterprise Nation  

Enterprise Nation is a large community of small businesses and business advisers. It connects business owners to resources and expertise. It is free to join. 

 

Start Your Own Business 

Website: How to Start a Business in The UK  

Free resources for start-ups. 

 

Small Business Pro 

Website: SmallBusinessPro - Big Ideas for Startup Entrepreneurs 

Advice and templates for start-ups. 

 

Engineering and manufacturing support organisations 

Make UK - The Manufacturers' Organisation 

Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) - Manufacturing Advisory Service 

 

National Farmers Union

Website: Find out about the NFU – NFUonline

NFU is a representation body for agriculture and horticulture in England and Wales. They strive to protect and promote British farm life and give their members a voice.


 
UK Business Forums  

Website: www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/ 

Business & E-Commerce discussion forums.