National Business Organisations
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.
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
UK Business Forums
Website: www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/
Business & E-Commerce discussion forums.