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.