Who can help?
You may be wondering where you can turn for help and advice. Maybe you’d like some professional input from a seasoned entrepreneur or experienced business advisor. There are other options too. Governmental, non-governmental, professional, voluntary and educational organisations will be able to advise you on particular issues.
Business resources
businesslink.gov.uk This guide introduces you to the topic of finance and grants. There's also an interactive tool to help you find and secure the right finance for your business. If you're confused by financial jargon, check out the useful glossary for finance and grants freshbusinessthinking.comAn online resouce for entrepreneurs where can source information and advice to help you run your business more effectively and efficiently
startups.co.uk Information about ways to raise money for your business venture and how to dcide which option is the right one for you.
Government resources
connexions.gov.uk Connexions offers general advice to 13-19 year olds who live in England. It also provides support up to the age of 25 for young people who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities.
connexions-direct.com Connections-direct offers support and advice support and advice for young disabled people who are thinking of starting a business.
hmrc.gov.uk HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) ensures that the correct tax is paid at the right time, whether this relates to payment of taxes received by the department or entitlement to benefits paid. They have set up a National Advice Service which can help you with any tax queries you might have.
Northern Ireland
sabp.co.uk The Start a Business Programme is free and is available right across Northern Ireland. It provides a package of support to anyone interested in starting a business.
businesslink.gov.uk Businesslink hasa network of offices throughout the country and their website features information and advice for new and existing enterprises.
Professional organisations
The two main professionals that you are likely to deal with are solicitors and accountants. Accountants can offer your business a range of services from basic bookkeeping to specialist business advice. They can save you time and help to make your business more profitable. Qualified accountants usually have the word chartered or certified attached to their title. They also usually belong to one of accountancy's professional associations.
icaew.co.uk Select a chartered accountant at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) website.
uk.accaglobal.com Read advice on choosing an accountant at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) website.
cimaglobal.com Find a practising accountant at the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) website.
icas.org.uk Find an accountant in Scotland at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland website.
icai.ie Read advice on selecting a chartered accountant in Ireland at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland website.
A solicitor or barrister is a person certified to give legal advice who advises clients in legal matters. Most solicitors are members of the Law Societywhich is the regulatory and representative body for 116,000 solicitors in England and Wales. Most barristers however are members of The General Council of the Bar
Educational organisations
aoc.co.uk The Association of Colleges was created to promote the interests of further education colleges in England and Wales.
bteg.co.uk The Black Training & Enterprise Group is a registered charity whose core aim is to achieve measurable improvements for black people nationally in the key areas of employment, education, enterprise and economic regeneration.
businessdynamics.org.uk Businessdynamics aims to encourage young people to understand and get more involved in business.
lsc.gov.uk The Learning and Skills Council is responsible for funding and planning education and training for over 16-year-olds in England. Their mission is to raise participation and attainment through high-quality education and training which puts learners first.
ncge.org.uk The National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship (NCGE) raises the profile of entrepreneurship and encourages students and graduates to choose to start their own business.
nfte.co.uk The Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) empowers young people by teaching them the basics of practical business.
nebpn.org The National Education Business Partnership Network (NEBPN) supports business by developing young people into informed employees.
shell-livewire.org Shell LiveWIRE encourages young people to start and develop their own business. Ask a mentor your questions on the website.
hecsu.ac.uk The Higher Education Careers Service Unit (HECSU) provides careers information and services to university careers advisory services, students, graduates, employers and others. You can read an article that outlines the effect of the 2006 budget measures aimed at improving an entrepreneurial culture among graduates.
refugeesintobusiness.org.uk/guide This is a guide to starting a business that has specific advice for refugees.
adp.org.uk The Association of Disabled Entrepreneurs provides support to disabled people in professional and managerial positions.
young-enterprise.org.uk Young Enterprise is the UK’s leading business and enterprise education charity. It offers a range of programmes, based on the principle of Learning by Doing, which brings volunteers from business into the classroom to work with teachers and students.
Voluntary and charitable organisations
adviceguide.org.uk The Citizens Advice Bureau have set up this website and offer free legal advice for people living and working in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. They have set up a self employment checklist that gives legal advice on setting up, employing other people and financial issues, further sources of help and advice are provided.
enterprisenation.com The Enterprise Nation site offers profiles of successful homeworkers and top tips on turning your home into a place of business. They have a community forum, where you can post messages and get advice from other homeworkers.
fsb.org.uk The Federation of Small Businesses is the largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms. It offers many benefits to its members. Its legal helpline which operates 24 hours a day.
idealist.org A project of Action Without Borders that works with individuals and organisations that want to share ideas, information and resources to help build a world where all people can live free, dignified and productive lives.
newbusiness.co.uk New Business provides independent advice and guidance to directors and owners of small and medium-sized businesses in the UK through their website. It also publishes a quarterly New Business Magazine, and a free weekly e-newsletter.
princes-trust.org.uk The Prince's Trust could help you get up and running with start-up support from you could get ongoing advice from a volunteer business mentor. It can also give you access to a wide range of products and services including their free Legal Helpline sponsored by Barclays Bank.
prospects.ac.uk Graduate Prospects offers the latest in graduate jobs, careers advice and further study opportunities. The site has an informative section on how to set up your own business.
unltd.org.uk The Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs is a charitable organisation set up to support and develop the role of social entrepreneurs as a force for positive change in the United Kingdom.
volunteering.org.uk Volunteering England promotes volunteering as a powerful force for change for those who volunteer and for the wider community. Volunteer Centres act as local brokerage and recruitment agencies, matching individuals with volunteering opportunities in a local area.