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Set Up a Successful Small Business: Small business advice

by Vera Hughes and David Weller

Many organizations are eager to advise small businesses, including:
banks
the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP): www.dwp.gov.uk
the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS): www.bis.gov.uk
local authorities
local colleges.
The two most likely to help at the very early stage of your business are Business Link and The Federation of Small Businesses.
Business Link (www.businesslink.gov.uk) is a government-funded body specifically set up to help a small business start its working life. They are in most towns and will give advice on the likely viability of your proposed business, how to make a business plan and where to go for advice on legal and financial matters. Their personal adviser will visit your business, even if you work from home. They also run courses on such things as website design and marketing. Their services are free and could well be your first port of call.
The Federation of Small Businesses (www.fsb.org.uk) is the leading pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms. Membership benefits include 24-hour assistance and support on matters such as taxation, VAT, employment law, health and safety and insurance. They have about 230 branches, which often hold regular networking meetings. Membership fees depend on the size of your business.


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