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.