This section is intended for anyone running a business or thinking about doing so.
The information about starting a business gives you a menu of things that you need to consider before actually starting up. It also tells you about where to get free training to ensure that your business gets off to the best possible start.
The information for those already running a business attempts to bring together a variety of sources of help and advice. Much of the signposting is to the Business Link web site, but it also draws upon DirectGov, HSE, ACAS, HMRC and other Government Departments. If you do not see the content that you are looking for, please try the A-Z index. Other aspects of employment are covered in the section on Training, Skills and Employment.
If you feel that you need advice in your existing business, remember that Business Link also provide a mentoring service. It's a great way of getting business guidance and support on an ongoing basis - and it's usually free. You can develop important business skills, increase your confidence and build your network of business contacts. The business mentoring guide outlines the different types of business mentoring services and how they fit with more general business support and advice. You may also find the project management guide useful. If done properly, good project management can benefit a business by ensuring that costs do not spiral beyond the allocated budget, work is delivered on time and to a high quality. There are various templates and processes available within the guide to help you deliver a project successfully and achieve the desired outcome.
Latest Government Policy on Business Support
The nature of business support currently provided by Business Link is to change. Local direct support will be replaced by an online service. Read more about the plans of the Dept of Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) for support start up and growth of small firms.