Business Support Directory
British Library – Business and IP Centre
The British Library IP Centre provides support to small business owners, entrepreneurs and inventors. You can access a collection of databases and publications for free and attend workshops and inspiring talks.
BUSINESS LAUNCHPAD
Transforming young lives through enterprise. Business Launchpad provides 2 years of free business support to young entrepreneurs aged 16 -30 across London, including coaching, workshops, one to one sessions, tailored business programmes, spaces to test trade from and business mentoring.
CAPITAL ALLOWANCES
Information on capital allowances that could provide possible tax relief for capital expenditure within your business.
Digital Boost
Digital Boost are a community of digital professionals who help small businesses grow online by developing their essential digital skills. Receive free 1-to-1 mentoring, workshops, courses and resources to help with social media, content strategy, website optimisation, SEO, sales, marketing, branding and more.
ENTERPRISE NATION
Aims to create an inspirational environment for business owners and would-be entrepreneurs. The membership organisation offers networking events, start-up classes, workshops and face-to-face expert advice, as well as online.
FEDERATION OF SMALL BUSINESSES (FSB)
With a mission to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions, the FSB offer members a wide range of vital business services including advice, financial expertise and support. They also run events which are free and open to all small businesses and the self-employed in the UK. Their Skills Hub offers plenty of resources on a range of topics to help support you and your business.
FREDERICKS FOUNDATION
Fredericks is a responsible finance provider that provides loans to people who want to set up a new business/maintain or expand an existing business. Open to anyone who has a viable business proposition but cannot obtain mainstream finance.
HMRC
HMRC runs free webinars and offers support on issues such as setting up your tax return correctly before you start, as well as getting your tax papers in order when taking on an employee for the first time.
INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS ENGLAND AND WALES (ICAEW) BUSINESS ADVICE SERVICE (BAS)
The ICAEW Business Advice Service is an easy way to access specialist guidance and reassurance from a local ICAEW firm on how to plan, start, manage or grow your business. There is no charge for the first session – just practical thinking to help your business succeed.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE
The official government body responsible for intellectual property (IP), it provides advice on rights, including patents, designs, trademarks and copyright.
NATIONWIDE CATERERS ASSOCIATION (NCASS)
The UK’s leading association for independent catering businesses, mobile caterers and street food traders. From just starting out to expanding your offering and everything along the way, NCASS has systems & services for each step of your business journey.
NATWEST
NatWest’s support for entrepreneurs goes beyond just finance. They can connect you with the right people, with the right knowledge, to boost your business and help it grow. Take your business to the next level with their Business Growth Enablers. Speak to your local growth enabler or visit their business hub for free events, blogs and business toolkits.
PRINCE’S TRUST
A charity that helps change the lives of 11- to 30-year-olds. The Trust’s programmes give vulnerable young people the practical and financial support needed to stabilise their lives, helping develop self-esteem and skills for work.
PRS
do you play music on your business premises? If you have “copyrighted” music in your shop, then you need a PRS licence to ensure you are legally compliant.
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE UK
For those considering setting up a social enterprise, the national body Social Enterprise UK is a key source of advice.
UK GOVERNMENT WEBSITE
The UK government website has a considerable range of business start-up guidance, support and advice for established businesses.
Upskill Digital
UpSkill Digital is a free digital skills training agency and consultancy that creates training packages to help improve the online performance of your business to help you stay ahead of the competition. Courses include: Boost your sales through e-commerce, Search Engine Optimisation, Google Analytics and Social Media Marketing.
VIRGIN STARTUP
Virgin Startup is a not-for-profit company, that helps founders and future founders start, fund and scale the businesses they’re passionate about. Virgin Startup, which was founded by Richard Branson, provides access to early-stage funding through the Start Up Loans programme, one-to-one mentoring, advice, guidance, free events and training courses, for a community of founders across the UK. Virgin StartUp have helped thousands of early stage founders get their businesses off the ground, and in the process have given out over £40m in Loan funding.
WANDSWORTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce is a membership organisation of local business people set up to further the interests of business and trade within the borough of Wandsworth. The Chamber offers business advice and organises regular networking and business support events to which non-members are welcome.