Developing your business
Organisations
bCentral — Microsoft’s ‘website for small businesses. An excellent site wich is constantly updated and offers free advice and free downloadable documents designed to help small businesses in a wide range of issues.
www.bcentral.co.ukBizhelp24 — Offers business and financial resources throughout the UK.
British Chambers of Commerce — Exportzone contains the ‘information, advice and links you need to turn your export potential into export success’.
www.chamberonline.co.uk/exportBritish Chambers of Commerce — local chambers seek to represent
the interests and support the competitiveness and growth of all businesses in their communities and regions. Free weekly small business e-newsletter.
British Franchise Association — the professional body that oversees the UK franchise industry. Runs seminars for people thinking of franchising their own businesses.
www.british-franchise.orgBritish Quality Foundation — Business Link & Enterprise Agencies
www.quality-foundation.co.ukBritish Standards Institution — a leading business services provider to organisations worldwide.
www.bsi-global.comBusiness Europe — news and analysis for small and medium sized businesses; free e-newsletter and updates on business news about the European market.
www.businesseurope.comBusiness Link — an easy-to-use business support, advice and information service managed by the Department of Trade and Industry. To find your nearest office, either call or visit their website.
www.businesslink.gov.ukBusiness Monitor — print and online publisher of specialist business information on global emerging markets. A range of daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly services covers political risk, finance, macroeconomic performance, outlook and forecast, industry sectors and the business operating environment.
www.businessmonitor.co.ukCBI — a lobbying organisation for UK businesses to help create the conditions in which businesses can thrive. Publish Business Voice magazine.
www.cbi.org.ukChartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) — a membership organisation for marketing professionals. However, their website is a useful resource with downloadable documents on a variety of topics.
www.cim.co.ukEngland’s Regional Development Agency — Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) were set up by Government to promote sustainable economic development in England. The website links to the nine regional agencies.
www.englandsrdas.comEureka — a pan-European network. Useful if your business wants to find
a European partner to share the technological, financial and commercial risk in the development of new products or services.
UK Exporters Ltd — advice and support for companies looking to export, with free information services.
www.export.co.ukThe Franchise Alliance — a group of 10 of the UK’s leading franchisors, who aim to raise the profile of the franchise industry by running a series of free educational seminars in conjunction with NatWest.
www.whichfranchise.com/tfaFranchise For Sale — website with worldwide franchise opportunities
www.FranchiseForSale.comKnowledge Transfer Partnerships — can help a business to develop and grow by accessing the knowledge and expertise in the UK’s universities, colleges and research organisations. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are managed for the Department of Trade and Industry.
www.ktponline.org.ukInternational Centre for Consulting Excellence — Founded by Tom Lambert, the ICFCE aims to empower partners to accelerate the development of business worldwide. It believes in fairer, more effective business practices.
Link Collaboration Research — brings together companies and science-based organisations, universities, and research establishments, enabling firms to work with people who can do research and tests to produce innovative products or services.
www.ost.gov.uk/linkLink Collaboration Research — brings together companies and science-based organisations, universities, and research establishments, enabling firms to work with people who can do research and tests to produce innovative products or services.
www.ost.gov.uk/linkQuick Formations — a quick and straightforward limited company formation service. Choose from four options: The Entrepreneur, the Director, The Executive or The Chairman.
Trade Association Forum — encourages the development and sharing of best practice among UK trade associations. Comprehensive links to information on UK trade associations and the business sectors they represent.
www.taforum.orgUK Trade & Investment — UK Trade & Investment is the Government organisation that supports both companies in the UK trading internationally and overseas enterprises seeking to locate in the UK. Their network of experts provides business opportunities and guidance to potential exporters. An excellent resource for exporters.
www.uktradeinvest.gov.ukWhich Franchise — website highlighting BFA members’ franchise opportunities.
www.whichfranchise.comNewsletters and magazines
Business Go Newsletter — online newletter offering small business tips, advice, hot links and breaking news. Well worth subscribing to.
www.smallbusiness.co.uk/register.phpBusiness XL — Business XL is written ‘for leaders by leaders’. The aim is to help you grow your business faster. Specialises in information for businesses seeking investment.
www.businessxl.co.ukFirst Voice — the magazine of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Join the Federation of Small Businesses (www.fsb.org.uk) and receive First Voice free with your membership.
www.firstvoice.co.ukNew Business —New Business magazine provides in-depth reports and reviews on all key areas of business including finance, marketing and technology and features exclusive interviews with leading officials and famous entrepreneurs. There is also an excellent website, full of resources and information for businesses.
www.newbusiness.co.uk