Links – Advice & Information

ACAS – Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service

For employment dispute issues

www.acas.org.uk

Better Payment Practice Group

Online guide on late payment issues

www.payontime.co.uk

British Bankers’ Association

The voice of the banking industry for all banks who operate within the UK

www.bba.org.uk

BSI Group

Information on inspection standards, product testing, Kitemark accreditation

www.bsi.org.uk

Business Eye/Llygad Busnes (Wales)

Business advice for Welsh businesses

www.businesseye.org.uk

Business Gateway (Scotland)

Advice for businesses in Scotland

www.bgateway.com

Business Link

An easy-to-use service providing practical advice

www.businesslink.gov.uk

Community Development Finance Association (cdfa)

Tailored and hands-on financial support to small businesses that need extra help

www.cdfa.org.uk

Companies House

Makes available (for a fee) company accounts, but also maintains a list (freely accessible) of disqualified directors

www.companieshouse.gov.uk

Companies Limited

Fee-based help to register a UK Limited company

www.companies-limited.co.uk

Customs and Excise Information

General advice on overseas trade statistics

www.uktradeinfo.com

Disability Rights Commission

An independent body established to stop discrimination and promote equality of opportunity for disabled people

www.odi.gov.uk

Franchise Information

Comprehensive source of franchising information

www.franchiseinfo.co.uk

Get Safe Online

A joint government and private sector venture initiative aimed at helping consumers and small businesses use the internet safely

www.getsafeonline.org

Grants and Support Directory

Search for potential sources of help with starting up, running or developing your business

www.businesslink.gov.uk

Health and Safety Executive

For information on health and safety compliance

www.hse.gov.uk

HM Revenue & Customs

For information on income tax, capital allowance, National Insurance, customs and excise duty and VAT

www.hmrc.gov.uk

Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys

Professional body for Trade Mark attorneys in the UK

www.itma.org.uk

The Lending Code

The Lending Code sets minimum standards of good practice that banks, building societies and credit card providers should follow when dealing with personal and micro-enterprise customers.

www.bba.org.uk

NFEA

For advice on key areas of setting up your business

www.nfea.com

Patent office

Responsible for intellectual property in the UK

www.ipo.gov.uk

PERA

Provides businesses with help to develop technological solutions and strategies

www.pera.com

Reduce the Use

Bringing small businesses into the environment

www.reducetheuse.co.uk

Scottish Enterprise Agency

Help for businesses in Scotland

www.scottish-enterprise.com

Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative

Aims to increase the success of small business through access to learning assistance and improving standards of support provision

www.sfedi.co.uk

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

A leading adviser in the small business community

www.accaglobal.com

The Chartered Institute of Patent Agents.

Help to find a patent agent if you need to patent a product

www.cipa.org.uk

The Information Commissioner

An independent official appointed by the Crown to oversee the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000

www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk

The Patent Office

Offers an accessible service for granting intellectual property rights

www.patent.gov.uk

The Prince’s Trust

Supports 18-30-year-olds wishing to start businesses through low-interest loans, business planning, grants and mentors

www.princes-trust.org.uk

The Telegraph Business Club

Promotes best practice for growing businesses through up-to-the-minute articles and case studies

www.telegraphbusinessclub.co.uk

UK Trade & Investment

Government organisation that supports companies in the UK doing business internationally and overseas enterprises seeking to set up or expand in the UK

www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk