Business Support - Resources

Useful Links

Business Link www.businesslink.gov.uk

General business information and advice for start up businesses in the UK. The best place to start for information on starting a business in the UK.

National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship www.ncge.org.uk/flyingstart

UK-wide organisation offering entrepreneurship support to students and graduates

Shell Livewire www.shell-livewire.org

Business start-up information and guidance for 18-30 year olds.

Flexible Support for Business www.business-support-wales.gov.uk

Access to mentoring and support for new businesses in Wales. This is the access point for the business start up Graduate Support Scheme.

NESTA www.nesta.org.uk

The National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts focuses on creativity and innovation and provides programmes to help start up businesses.

Companies House www.companieshouse.gov.uk

Information about company registration, and a free on-line search facility for existing companies.

Start Talking Ideas www.starttalkingideas.org.uk

A national site which provides advice on how to turn your ideas into reality

Xenos Business Angels www.xenos.co.uk

Xenos Business Angels are successful business people who are looking to invest in new ventures in Wales.

The British Venture Capital Association (BVCA) www.bvca.co.uk

Venture Capitalist can provide investment and advice for high growth start up business in return for an equity stake in your company.

The Small Business Service www.smallbusiness.co.uk

Offers a comprehensive strategy and information for business start-ups.

Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs www.hmrc.gov.uk

Provides a national advice service that assists all new businesses, and helps with completing tax returns.

MINTEL www.mintel.com

Market research reports on hundreds of consumer and industrial products and services.

Princes Trust www.princes-trust.org.uk

The Princes Trust is a UK charity which helps young people to overcome barriers in their life. The Prices Trust can provide help and funding to certain types of start up business (not in Wales).

UnLtd www.unltd.org.uk

Support and awards for social entrepreneurs to develop projects to support their own communities.

Wales Co-operative Centre www.walescoop.com

Offer training and support to co-operatives and social enterprises

Social Enterprise Coalition www.socialenterprise.org.uk

The UK national body for Social Enterprise