Useful Contacts

We've put together a list of organisations* that provide specialist support for start-up businesses. They will be able to give you further guidance, and put you in touch with other professional and business contacts in your area.

Government agencies

Business support groups

Women's networks

Government Agencies

Inland Revenue (opens new window)
The Inland Revenue. Here you will find information that will help you if you run or are starting up a business or corporation.

UK Treasury (opens new window)
The UK Treasury is the department responsible for formulating and putting into effect the UK Government's financial and economic policy. A broad overview of Government policy on a wide range of interests are available.

The Department of Trade and Industry (opens new window)
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) works with a wide range of individuals, groups and organisations, to increase UK productivity and competitiveness. The site has specific information on industry sectors and links to the initiatives that the DTI offers small businesses to grow, invest and develop best practice.

Small Business Service (opens new window)
The Government Small Business Service (SBS) champions the interests of small and medium enterprises. Its website provides information about the SBS, specifically aimed at researchers, policy advisers and students.

Business Link (opens new window)
The Business Link website is where you can find advice about government funding, grants, legislation and starting a business. You can also find your local business link - operating in 45 locations across England.

Scottish Executive (opens new window)
The Scottish Executive, the devolved government for Scotland, is responsible for most of the day-to-day issues concerning the people of Scotland. The website covers all areas of interest including the latest consultations and publications.

Scottish Enterprise (opens new window)
Scottish Enterprise is Scotland's main economic development agency, funded by the Scottish Executive. The website details how to widen your skills to develop and grow your business.

Business Gateway (opens new window)
The Business Gateway is a service provided by the Scottish Enterprise Network and its local partners. It provides a single access point to a range of integrated services for businesses in Scotland. The website details start-up, growth and information services available.

National Statistics Online (opens new window)
National Statistics Online is the UK's home of official statistics reflecting Britain's economy, population and society at national and local level. Summary stories and detailed data releases are published here free of charge.

Companies House (opens new window)
Companies House is an Executive Agency within the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). They deal with the registration and provision of company information. Guidance booklets and company information are available.

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Business Support Groups

British Chambers of Commerce (opens new window)
The British Chambers of Commerce comprise nationally a network of quality-accredited Chambers of Commerce, all uniquely positioned at the heart of every business community in the UK. Their Policy Unit campaigns nationally on behalf of Accredited Chambers' 135,000 members, exerting powerful influence on government to create a more favourable business environment.

CBI (opens new window)
The CBI's stated aim is "to help create and sustain the conditions in which businesses in the UK can compete and prosper". It seeks to do this by using its membership power to lobby on behalf of businesses to ensure their interests are considered in the formulation of government policies and laws, both nationally and internationally.

Federation of Small Businesses (opens new window)
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is the voice of the small business sector and their website allows you to find out what they are saying to the media, Parliament and others in the political and economic fields. The website contains information concerning the key issues facing the small business sector today.

Forum of Private Business (opens new window)
The Forum of Private Business (FPB) offers advice on problems such as red tape, employment law, health and safety and many other issues. They offer practical help through their unique business solutions, while lobbying for members to change laws and policies for their future benefit.

Community Development Finance Association (opens new window)
CDFA is the trade association for Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs). CDFIs are independent financial institutions that provide capital and support to individuals or organisations to develop and create wealth in disadvantaged communities or under-served markets. The CDFA promotes the development of CDFIs through training, support, networking and advice.

Local Investment Networking Company (opens new window)
LINC is an independent not-for-profit organisation acting as the National Business Angel Network for Scotland. Business Angels are wealthy individuals who have usually run their own successful businesses, and choose to invest money in new companies and provide advice to their management teams. LINC offers a business introduction network or ‘marriage bureau’ for companies and investors.

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Women's Networks

Women & Equality Unit (opens new window)
The Women & Equality Unit helps the Government to deliver on the issues that matter most to women. Their top priorities are developing policies which support flexible working and enable women to juggle their busy lives, delivering high quality services in health and education that respond to women's needs, enabling women to play a greater part in public life and working to close the pay gap between men and women.

Scottishbusinesswomen.com (opens new window)
As part of a range of Women into Business initiatives available through the Scottish Enterprise Business Gateway, Scottishbusinesswomen.com aims to inspire and prepare more women to start their own business. A real online community where you can interact with other businesswomen, find out about initiatives and events that can give you assistance, and benefit from an information resource that tells it like it is.

Business and Professional Women UK  (opens new window)
Business and Professional Women UK (BPW) is an organisation that enables you to benefit from, and be involved in, activities to help working women. Members are given opportunities for self-development, which can help their self-confidence and career. BPW UK is a non-party-political lobbying organisation and gives you the chance to make a difference by influencing policy decisions.

Bacon Eggs & Entrepreneurs (opens new window)
Bacon, Eggs & Entrepreneurs is one of Scotland's fastest growing business networks, started by business owners for business owners. The purpose of Bacon, Eggs & Entrepreneurs is to give business owners access to a no strings attached network where they can meet locally every month, exchange ideas, develop their own businesses and meet like minded people.

Financial Mail Women's Forum (opens new window)
The Financial Mail Women's Forum (FMWN) is a network for senior businesswomen. The FMWF is intended to provide interesting and useful opportunities for women at the very top of their respective professions to make new contacts, exchange ideas and forge business alliances.

Women Returners (opens new window)
Women Returners is a national charity that for 20 years has been helping and supporting women back to work through education, training and support. If you're having a career break, or if you simply want a change of direction, you'll find all you need to know about returning to work on this website.

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*The provision by us of a website address is not evidence of any endorsement by us of the material held there. We accept no responsibility or liability for the privacy of your personal information on such websites, as these are beyond our control. We will accept no responsibility or liability in respect of any materials on any website that is not under our control.