Useful Organisations

Government Business Support

‘Your business can get advice and financial help from government-backed schemes.
 
You can also get:

• Advice on writing a business plan’
• Help with tax
• Regional help with exporting

LEP Growth Hubs

‘The LEP Network champions the impact and value of LEPs in building local economic growth and prosperity across the country. It acts as the lead commentator and negotiator for LEPs at a national level with government, advisers, businesses, academia, think tanks and other target audiences. It also acts as a central source of information and data on LEPs at a national level.’

The Princes Trust

‘We believe that every young person should have the chance to embrace exciting opportunities. So, we help 11 to 30 year-olds to find the tools and confidence to try free courses and start careers. 
 
We work with delivery partners across the UK to offer hundreds of free courses, grants and mentoring opportunities to inspire young people to build their confidence and start a career. We will be there to support them to achieve their full potential.’

Business in the Community

‘Business in the Community (BITC) and our network of business members are leading a movement to create a fair and sustainable world in which to live and work.
 
We work and campaign with more than 600 members to continually grow their responsible business practices, uniting our efforts for greater social and environmental impact in our communities.’

Register for Self Assessment

‘If you have to send a tax return and did not send one last year, you need to register for both:

• Self Assessment
• Class 2 National Insurance

How you register depends on whether you’ve sent a tax return before or not.’

Companies House

‘We incorporate and dissolve limited companies. We register company information and make it available to the public.
 
Companies House is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.’

Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)

‘Running your own business is rewarding, but it can be challenging. Complying with business law, dealing with taxes and finances, finding the right insurance, managing employees, finding new customers – the list goes on.
 
With FSB membership, you’ll have all the tools and advice you need to run and protect your business in one place, backed up by a local support network of passionate entrepreneurs.’

British Chambers of Commerce

‘Working together, we help firms of all sizes to achieve more. We believe it’s our relationships with others that lead us to achieve goals beyond those we could ever achieve alone.
 
We’re the only organisation that helps British businesses to build relationships on every level. Across our network, we can connect your business locally, nationally and internationally, with other businesses, with decision-makers and with opportunities.’

British Business Bank

‘We’re the UK’s national development bank and we’re here to help your business find a way, with free financial tools and expert information.
 
Whether you’re a start-up, an established business or looking to grow, finding information and guidance around finance that can help you on your business journey can be complex and challenging.
 
We understand those challenges. We’re here to make them easier for you to not only understand but overcome.’

Investopedia

‘Investopedia was founded in 1999 with the mission of simplifying financial decisions and information to give readers the confidence to manage every aspect of their financial life.
 
Our millions of readers come to us from all over the world and from all walks of life. Some are learning about money and investing for the first time, while others are experienced investors, business owners, professionals, financial advisors, and executives looking to improve their knowledge and skills. No matter who they are, we are here to help.’

Charity Excellence Framework

‘Charity Excellence gives you everything you need in one place – it’s simple, quick and completely free. Eight online health checks, the Funding Finder database and huge resource base, including 50+ downloadable funding lists. And it works for CICs too.’

Social Enterprise UK

‘Social Enterprise UK (SEUK) is the UK’s membership body for social enterprises. We lead the world’s largest network of businesses with a social purpose who together are helping to create a fairer economy and a more sustainable future for everyone.’

UnLtd

‘UnLtd finds, funds and supports social entrepreneurs – enterprising people with solutions that change our society for the better. We were formed in 2002 by seven organisations who believed that social entrepreneurs had a much bigger contribution to make to our economy and society. We were among the first to back individuals with their own ideas to create social good.’

School for Social Entrepreneurs

‘We run courses that equip people to start, scale and strengthen organisations that make a positive difference. But we’re not a traditional school. Learning with SSE is inspiring, action-based and accessible. We support people in other ways too, such as funding and mentoring.’

Social Enterprise Support Fund

‘The Social Enterprise Support Fund is focused on social enterprises supporting people facing increased social and economic challenges as a result of COVID-19. We will support them in evolving and growing sustainable community services, in the face of ongoing disruption from COVID-19. In 2021/2 we issued £16.1m of grants to 500 social enterprises.’