National Business Organisations

Official UK government website 

Websites: General advice for businesses: www.gov.uk/browse/business; specific advice for setting up a business: www.gov.uk/browse/business/setting-up 

The website offers tools and guidance for businesses and self-employed people and a Business Support Helpline: Telephone: 0800 998 1098; enquiries@businesssupporthelpline.org 

HMRC

Website: HMRC webinars and forums

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) offer a series of free online presentations or ‘webinars’ to give tax help to businesses and the self-employed.

Companies’ House

Website: Companies House

Company details are registered here. This is also where company accounts are filed.

UK Department for Business and Trade

Website: Made in the UK

This website provides information and advice for UK exporters.

Website: Finance and support for your business

This is a searchable website to help businesses find finance support.

Brexit Guidance

Website: Travel or do business in Europe: Brexit guidance - GOV.UK

Advice is provided on importing and exporting, transporting goods and providing services to the EU.

British Business Bank 

Websites: British Business Bank and Start Up Loans

The British Business Bank is a government-owned business development bank. It provides information, guidance and links to sources of finance including start-up loans through trusted partners.  

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Website: Farming and land management

The website covers registering of land, funding and rural payments, planning permission for farmers and farming advice.

Food Standards Agency 

Websites: Starting your food business safely; Allergen checklist for food businesses 

The Food Standards Agency has a section on its website with advice for those starting up food businesses. It provides advice packs specific to caterers, retailers, restaurants and take-away businesses and those providing food in childcare or residential settings. It also provides advice on allergen information and avoiding cross-contamination. 

Health and Safety Executive 

Website: Health and safety basics for your business  

The Health and Safety Executive provides guidance and tools to help businesses meet their H&S obligations. They also offer free publications and advice leaflets for different sectors and topics. 

Valuation Office Agency

Website: Business rates: Overview

This website explains how your business rates are calculated and what help may be available.

Independent business organisations

Confederation of British Industry

Website: CBI | Confederation of British Industry

The CBI is a membership and lobbying organisation.

Federation of Small Businesses  

Website:www.fsb.org.uk; knowledge hub: FSB Knowledge Hub 

The Federation of Small Businesses is a membership organisation which offers a wide range of business services including advice, financial expertise, support and a voice which is heard in government. Its knowledge hub provides resources which are free for all to access. 

National Enterprise Network

Website: About Us - National Enterprise Network

The National Enterprise Network is a membership organisation for micro, small and start-up businesses.

Enterprise Nation 

Websites: 
Enterprise Nation 
StartUp UK

Enterprise Nation is a large community of small businesses and business advisers. It connects business owners to resources and expertise. It is free to join.
Enterprise Nation runs StartUp UK which provides free resources and guides for those setting up a business.