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.