Great links
There are lots of ways that you can get help with setting up or developing your own business. We've grouped together some of the most useful sites on the internet to make it easier for you to find the right information. For support in your area see: http://www.prowess.org.uk/support/support.asp and for events in your area see: http://www.prowess.org.uk/support/events.asp
If you know of any other useful websites that you think we should be listing please email us with the details.
Business Support and information
Banks and access to finance
Government Agencies & Statutory Information
Internet & IT
Women in Business
Business Support and Information
Business in Prisons
www.businessinprisons.com
Support male and female offenders in getting back into the labour market
working alongside staff in the Prisons. Giving awareness sessions to staff
and prisoners, offering specialist advice and support on a one to one basis
for those men or women that are interested in self-employment on release.
Business Link
www.businesslink.org
Business Link is the national business advice service. Use this site to get
straightforward information for your business.
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
http://www.fsb.org.uk/
The FSB is the largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms.
j4b
www.j4b.co.uk
The site allows quick and simple searches of a regularly updated database
of business grants and loans.
National Federation Of Enterprise Agencies A network of independent, local agencies helping people to start, grow and sustain their businesses www.nfea.com
Regional Development Agencies
www.dti.gov.uk/regions/rdapage.htm
RDAs aim to co-ordinate regional economic development and regeneration. They
mediate associated Government and EU funds and grants. Links to local RDAs
are given on the DTI site.
Shell Livewire
www.shell-livewire.org
Shell Livewire is a UK wide competition for owner-managers aged between 16
and 30. If you've been in business between 3 and 18 months its worth having
a look at the website to find out about heats in your region and at national
level.
Startups.co.uk
www.startups.co.uk
Provides independent news, advice and guidance free of charge for anyone
starting or running a small business. It also includes a host of startup
and buyer guides, full directory listings and an interactive forum.
The Real Deal
http://www.channel4.com/life/microsites/R/realdeal/
A lively, fun site providing information, help and advice to anyone wanting
to start a business or with a great business idea.
Trade Partners UK
www.tradeuk.com
Comprehensive online directory of UK products and services which is very
useful when sourcing suppliers.
UK Business Incubation
www.ukbi.co.uk
Information on all aspects of business incubation.
Electronic Yellow Pages
www.yellowpages.com
Details of more than 1.6 million UK companies.
WEConnect
WEConnect is the leading UK supplier diversity initiative spearheading the connection of women-owned business and multinational corporations.
Banks and access to finance
British Business Angels Association
http://www.bbaa.org.uk/portal/
NBAN brings together investors with commercial experience and companies looking for development capital.
British Venture Capital Association
www.bvca.co.uk
The BVCA represents most major sources of venture capital in the UK.
Bank of Scotland-Women in Business
www.bankofscotlandbusiness.co.uk/womeninbusiness
Knowing where to look and what to look for when starting a business needn't be a chore. Bank of Scotland's Women in Business web pages provide top tips, guides to starting a business, research extracts, useful links and free downloads of the "Big Fish" magazine for women in business.
Barclays
http://www.barclays.co.uk/business/
Online business tools and support for new businesses.
Community Development Finance Association
www.cdfa.org.uk
the CDFA can put you in touch with local providers of loans for a small business and social enterprises.
HSBC Bank plc
www.hsbc.com
HSBC is the world's second largest bank and offers the complete banking package for both individuals and businesses alike. We recognise the desire of business owners to have relationship managers with business expertise and the authority to take decisions based in their local branches. With this, HSBC works with a number of women's organisations to provide support and advice to female business owners.
NatWest
www.natwest.co.uk/businessedge
The site offers a range of guides and software including Marketing, Finance and Basic Management.
Royal Bank of Scotland
www.rbs-small-business.co.uk
Business plan software on cdrom as well as online advice on types of businesses, people and premises and necessary basics.
Government Agencies & Statutory Information
ACAS (Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service)
www.acas.org.uk
ACAS offers advice on almost all employment matters and operates a nationwide
network of enquiry points. The service is available free of charge to any
individual or organisation.
Companies House
www.companies-house.gov.uk
This is where to go to get official advice on Company formation. The 'Free
Business Information' section of the site gives a full listing of company
names so you can make sure yours is original and it also has a list of disqualified
directors.
Customs & Excise
www.hmce.gov.uk
The "Information for Business" section contains useful contact
addresses, publications and advice on VAT and the euro.
Data Protection Registrar
www.dataprotection.gov.uk
This is where to find out what your responsibilities are under the 1998 Data
Protection Act which is essential reading for small business owners.
Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR)
http://www.berr.gov.uk/
BERR is the voice for business across Government. This website provides information about BERR’s priorities and policies. BERR and its delivery partners also provide a range of practical assistance to business
Diversity Works for London
http://www.diversityworksforlondon.com/
Champions the business case for diversity by seeking out, promoting and sharing good practice
Health and Safety Executive
www.hse.gov.uk
Factsheets can be downloaded free on all aspects of health and safety. You
may find 'Health and Safety in Small Firms' particularly useful.
HM Revenue and Customs
www.hmrc.gov.uk
Everything you need to know about tax and national insurance.
Office of Fair Trading
www.oft.gov.uk
The OFT enforces UK competition policy and protects the economic welfare
of consumers. Essential reading to make sure your business stays within the
rules.
Patent Office
www.patent.gov.uk
Information about patents and design law.
Internet & IT
Netnames
www.netnames.co.uk
You can search this site to find out if the domain name you want is still
available. If your perfect name has already been taken you can find out who
got there first.
Women in Business
Most of these sites include on-line discussion forums where you can share experiences with other women who are starting and growing businesses.
Aurora Womens Network
www.network.auroravoice.com
Europe's leading businesswomen's network providing events, training, online
communities and resources for accelerating women-owned businesses from start-up
to growth.
Career at Home
http://www.careerathome.co.uk/
CareerAtHome was formed to offer a unique reference point on working for yourself from home
Everywoman Ltd
www.everywoman.co.uk
Information, resources and advice available for women in business; includes
bulletin boards for sharing experiences and articles to help you with your
business.
Mumpreneurs
www.mumpreneurs.com
Mumpreneurs.com provides support and ideas and inspiration for women who
combine running their own business with motherhood.
Scottish Businesswomen
www.scottishbusinesswomen.com
Provides information and advice to help women develop their business ideas.
Excellent FAQ section and links to helpful organisations.
The Small Business Advice website Run by the National Agencies provides free and confidential business start-up advice- tailored to your enquiry www.smallbusinessadvice.org.uk
WiRE
www.wireuk.org
One stop shop for rural women business owners with up to date information, advice and research.
Women at Work UK Directory of Women in Business
www.womenatwork.co.uk
Women at Work is an online directory of services offered by women in business.
The women listed in our directory are all self-employed freelancers, consultants,
home workers, tradeswomen or running small businesses.
Women Returners' Network
www.women-returners.co.uk
The Network is a research and lobbying organisation, working across the UK
and internationally, to improve opportunities for women returners.