Business Link
This government site provides masses of information and links for people trying to understand what is required and how best to go about starting and running your own business. There are also local support mechanisms to feed into. A must visit site.
www.businesslink.gov.uk
Chambers of Commerce
This is the website for British Chambers of Commerce.
www.chamberonline.co.uk
Companies House
If you are considering setting up a company or wish to know about company reporting requirements then this is the site. You can also find out about other companies. There will be charges for various services
www.companieshouse.gov.uk
Data Protection Requirements
As well as data protection requirements this site also provides all kinds of information on the rules and regulations relating to other official and personal information.
www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk
Department of Trade and Industry
Here is the official site of the department of Trade and Industry
www.dti.gov.uk
Enterprise Nation
Enterprise Nation is a free resource to help you start and grow your business at home. On their website, in their e-news and their podcast you'll find lots of information you need to get started and get growing.
www.enterprisenation.com
Federation of Small Businesses
This is an organisation which exists to support and help small businesses.
www.fsb.org.uk
Health and Safety
Guidance for businesses on health and safety issues run by the Health and Safety Executive.
www.betterbusiness.hse.gov.uk
Inland Revenue and Customs
Sooner rather than later you will have to deal with taxation of one form or another. This is the website for Inland Revenue and Customs so covering all aspects of tax, at least in outline terms.
www.hmrc.gov.uk
Prime
The Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise is “the only national organisation dedicated to helping people over 50 to set up in business”. It's a not for profit company which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the charity Age Concern. a good starting point for finding out what may be the issues and what help is available.
www.primeinitiative.org.uk
Public Services
This site provides masses of information about public services and government, both national and local, covering aspects related both to business and to individuals as citizens. There is a section devoted to the Over50s.
www.direct.gov.uk
Small Business Service
This is a government service providing information for small businesses. It forms part of an overall knowledge and help network which encompasses the DTI and Business Link.
www.sbs.gov.uk
Working Families
Here you will find an organisation which exists to help people with the work-life balance. This is an issue which in my prime holds very dear to its heart.
www.workingfamilies.org.uk
Worksmart
This site is run by the TUC, the umbrella organisation for Britain’s Unions. It therefore covers all kinds of topics associated with a person’s working life.
www.worksmart.org.uk
