Self-employment - business advice
It’s
well worth getting good advice early on in your business planning;
tackling financial issues head-on is the best way to avoid the last
minute panic of a tax return deadline. Fortunately, there are a
number of organisations that can give you advice about starting
up or developing your business.
Quick links to:
WEBS
Business Link
Manchester Business Consortium
Inland Revenue
Cultural Industries Development Service
The Small Business Advice Service
Other resources
WEBS
www.wevh.org.uk
- 0161 833 8800
Offers free business planning, marketing and funding advice, with
an IT and e-commerce problem-solving service, for businesses owned
by women in Manchester, Trafford, Salford and Tameside.
Manchester Business Consortium
www.manchester-business.co.uk
- 0161 236 1168
Offers advice, one-to-one counselling for start-up and existing
businesses; offering information on legal issues, debt advice, IT
support, financial advice, and special support for creative industries.
They run a Business Enterprise Programme, which offers training
for starting-up businesses, in finance and marketing; also masterclasses
in issues affecting the creative industries.
Business Link
www.businesslink.gov.uk
0845 600 9 006
A
national organisation with local offices, Business Link can offer
advice and access to training events. The website gives info on
issues such as: business planning, sales, marketing, finance, IT
& e-commerce.
Particularly recommended is their free
brochure “The No-Nonsense Guide to Government rules and regulations
for setting up your business” which covers all the issues you face
starting up in business in a clear and practical way.
Inland Revenue
www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/startingup
Helpline
for Newly Self-Employed: 08459 154 515
www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/leaflets
You
can order forms and leaflets on: 0845 9000 404
Free
publications available from the Inland Revenue, include,
- Guide to Starting Up in Business [quote reference P/SE/1];
- Self Assessment: Your Guide (SABK8);
- Self-Assessment: A Guide to Keeping Records for the Self-employed
(SABK3)
Cultural Industries Development Service
www.cids.co.uk
- 0800 169 1143
CIDS offers assistance to develop cultural industries.
They offer information on networks and trade opportunities, and
allows you to promote your own business for free in their Creative
Directory.
The Small Business Advice Service
www.smallbusinessadvice.org.uk
Provides
free business advice and guidance to anyone planning or starting-up
a new business, or running an established small business with fewer
than 10 employees, in England. Their online Business Enquiry Service,
can link you directly to one of over 200 Accredited Business Advisers
located throughout England.
Other resources:
www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/helpwithyourcareer/
Offers advice about training, childcare, and financing learning.
They also offer a course on “Make or Break – Starting Your Own Business.
www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/onelife/work/options/
Offers advice and links, particularly for young people starting
in business.
www.thetoolkit.net
This is a new website for individuals and groups who are developing
creative enterprises and arts projects in Manchester. It contains
up-to-date information on organisations, networks, training and
funding that can help you to make your arts project a success.
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