Business advice

The following links provide useful information on small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs). If you have any links to add to this page, please send them to info@workspacegroup.co.uk.

FINANCE & INVESTMENT

The Capital Fund
(www.thecapitalfund.co.uk)
A venture capital fund sponsored by the London Development Agency and supported by the DTi’s Small Business Service, set up to back SMEs in Greater London. Provides detailed information regarding investment criteria, the structure of the investment programme and the means of application.

The Investment Readiness Programme
(www.investmentreadiness.co.uk)
Part of a recently announced national initiative for privately run businesses in the UK designed to groom entrepreneurial businesses to the point where they are an attractive proposition to outside investment capital.

Inland Revenue
(www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk)
Information and advice regarding issues related to business taxes and National Insurance. Provides guides on setting up business, details on self-registration and tax returns, as well as information on the tax help line and how to access the Inland Revenue’s ‘Business Support Teams’.

National Business Angels Network
(www.bestmatch.co.uk)
A not-for-profit company, sponsored by major financial institutions and supported by the DTI, designed to achieve introductions between private investors and business seeking investment. Aimed specifically at SMEs.

Bank of England
(http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/Links/setframe.html)
Publishes the ‘Quarterly Report on Small Business Statistics’ and the annual ‘Finance For Small Firms Report’. Also publishes a range of ad hoc publications, which can be found at the same address.

Barclays Bank
(http://www.business.barclays.co.uk/)
Quarterly ‘Small Business Survey: Start-ups and closures’.

BUSINESS SUPPORT & ADVICE

(KTP) Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
(www.ktponline.org.uk)
Previously known as TCS, KTP is a Government funded scheme that enables UK businesses to benefit from the wide range expertise available through the academic and research institutions of the UK. Grants offer around 50% of costs for placements of graduates in companies.

Government Office for London
(www.go-london.gov.uk)
Under ‘Help for business’ are details of financial help (i.e. capital investment grants, innovation grants, etc.) available to SMEs through a range of different programmes. Also provides general and sectoral business advice and links to a wide range of useful business resources aimed at SMEs.

Small Business Service
(www.sbs.gov.uk)
Small Business Service is run by the Department of Trade and Industry with the aim of championing and guiding SMEs in the UK. The site provides extensive and thorough guidance on a range of business issues from finance and investment to advice on tendering for contracts. Also contains a multitude of links to other useful business resources, publications and resources.

Business Link
(www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/home)
A detailed site offering independent, impartial advice for London-based SMEs. Contains practical advice on a range of business concerns, and factsheets, research papers and case studies specifically aimed at informing and guiding SMEs.

Patent Office
(www.patent.gov.uk)
The patent office is the Government office concerned with the ownership of products and ideas and provides information and explanations in this area. This site also covers issues surrounding intellectual property and the applicability of copyright, design, patents, and trademarks.

UK Online
(www.ukonline.gov.uk)
Located under ‘Business & Industry’ are a variety of topic headings aimed at SMEs and links to appropriate Government offices and specialist agencies.

Health & Safety Executive
(www.hse.gov.uk)
Under ‘Small firms’ is a range of useful material on reducing risks in the workplace, protecting people, and developing good working practices. Offers free downloadable leaflets and publications designed to help small firms adapt to health and safety regulations.

Bizwise
(www.bizwise.co.uk)
Subscription based service providing award winning online and telephone business support.

Medicash
(www.medicash.org)
Healthcare insurance providing corporate packages for employers and employees through health cash plans that enable you to claim cash benefit grants towards the cost of everyday insurance.

Mentor
(www.rbsmentor.co.uk)
Website providing guidance on keeping business up to date and fully compliant with changing legislation. Areas of expertise; employment law, health & safety, and taxation. Also provides access to a downloadable ‘Mentor’ magazine that includes articles, reviews, and case studies aimed at business leaders of SMEs.

British Chambers of Commerce
(http://www.chamberonline.co.uk/)
Quarterly Economic Survey and access to a free weekly newsletter.

Businesslink.org
(http://www.businesslink.org/)
Soon to be re-launched site containing a range of guides and publications on specific sectors within the SME market.

NEWS & PUBLICATIONS

Growing Business
(www.growingbusiness.co.uk)
Publication written for and about business owners providing advice on a range of issues to help fast growing businesses. Provides information about subscription.

Customer Management
(www.customermanagementonline.com)
A publication aimed at guiding business toward excellence in all matters relating to customer management, from strategy and leadership to best practice.

FT.com
(www.ft.com)
Latest business news.

GLA Economics
(http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/economic_unit/glaepublications.jsp)
Publishes a range of research papers, policy papers and statistics about London and the London economy.

Department for Media, Culture & Sport
(http://www.culture.gov.uk/global/research/default.htm)
A range of ad-hoc publications specific to the creative industries.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS

Chartered Institute of Marketing
(www.cim.co.uk)
CIM site has a wide range of marketing information, case studies, marketing tools, tips and news. Includes a ‘knowledge centre’ containing reports, research and best practice advice on the full range of marketing topics.

Institute of Directors
(www.iod.com)
Professional body aimed at business leaders and senior managers. Provides a range of news and guidance on a range of different issues. Downloadable factsheets advising on different aspects of business and particularly leadership. Also provides access to IoD publications responding to policy.

Institute For Independent Business
(www.iib.org.uk)
A not-for-profit research and accreditation organization providing independent advice to SMEs. Enables access to experienced senior executives who can provide advice and support, and aims to be a single reference point where SMEs can obtain relevant information and support. Also provides access to a variety of articles and guides.

If you would like to suggest additional links that Worskpace Group tenants might find useful please email info@workpsacegroup.co.uk