Information on local government offices and other useful government departments contacts. South West Regional Development Agency
The government has confirmed that all RDAs across England will close by March 2012. All work will either be terminated or handed over by this time.
The South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) was established in April 1999 to drive forward the region's economy. The agency is responsible for providing regional strategic leadership in economic development and for co-ordinating national programmes at regional and local level.
South West Regional Development Agency
Sterling House
Dix's Field
EX1 1QA
Tel: 01392 214747 or 0117 933 0200
Email: enquiries@southwestrda.org.uk
The West of England Partnership
The West of England Partnership Board comprises representatives from Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire councils and seven social, economic and environmental partners including GWE Business West and the University of Bristol.
Four sub-groups report to the West of England Partnership Board including a sub-group responsible for the economy and skills. Executive responsibility includes the west of England's economic strategy and also responsibility for 'strategic inward investment'.
Tel: 0117 903 6868
Email: john.malyckyj@westofengland.org
H M Customs and Excise
HM Customs and Excise is responsible for VAT and for all import and export documentation and legalities.
Businesses with a taxable turnover exceeding £61,000 in the past 12 months (April 2006 figure) are required to notify H M Customs and Excise of their liability to register for VAT.
Tel: National Advice Service 0845 010 9000
Email: enquiries.sec@hmce.gov.uk
The Health and Safety Executive
The Health and Safety Executive (HSC) has responsibility for health and safety in nuclear installations and mines, factories, farms and hospitals as well as schools, offshore gas and oil installations. It is also responsible for the safety of the gas grid and the movement of dangerous goods and substances, railway safety, and many other aspects relating to the protection of workers and the public. Local authorities are answerable to HSC as regards enforcement in offices, shops and other parts of the services sector.
The Health and Safety Executive
4th Floor
The Pithay
Bristol BS1 2ND
Tel: 0117 988 6000
The Environment Agency
The Environment Agency (EA) is responsible for regulating industrial pollution, land quality, radioactive substances, waste management and water quality.
Tel: 08708 506 506
Email: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS)
The role of ACAS is to help parties with an industrial relations dispute to reach agreement through discussion and negotiation. The ACAS handbook 'Employing People' offers guidance on good practice in employing staff.
ACAS
The Waterfront
Welsh Back
Bristol BS1 4SB
Tel: 0117 906 5200
Companies House
When setting up a limited company it is necessary to conduct a check on the proposed company name. New company names must be registered with Companies House.
Companies House
Crown Way
Maindy
Cardiff CF14 3UZ
Tel: 0870 33 33 636
Email: enquiries@companies-house.gov.uk
The Patent Office
The Patent Office is responsible for the registration of patents, trademarks, designs and copyright.
Tel: 0845 950 0505
Email: enquiries@ patent.gov.uk
Note: The business library at Bristol Central Library holds information on registered UK, European and world patents as well as British and European trade marks.
Bristol Central Library
College Green
Bristol
BS1 5TL
Tel: 0117 903 7216