The following organisations offer support and advice to businesses within South Gloucestershire.
Business Link
Business Link a government-funded agency, is able to provide practical information and advice on a wide range of business matters including finance and grants, employing people, IT and e-commerce, sales and marketing, international trade and growing your business. Business Link also offers specialist advice and support to starter businesses including awareness sessions and training courses.
Tel: 0845 600 9006
Email: enquiry@businesslinksw.co.uk
GWE Business West
GWE Business West Ltd is a leading membership and economic development organisation, incorporating the Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire Chambers of Commerce. GWE Business West deliver an extensive range of services to businesses, and as a powerful voice for business, play a major role in shaping and supporting economic growth and success.
Tel: 01275 373 373
Email: info@gwebusinesswest.co.uk
Federation of Small Businesses
The Federation of Small Businesses promotes and protects the interests of the self employed and small business owners within the UK. Formed in 1974, the FSB is the UK's largest campaigning pressure group and has a branch that covers Gloucestershire and the West Country. For more information visit their web page opposite or call 0845 257 6030.
UWE
The University of the West of England have recently developed a range of support services and training courses to help businesses and individuals who have been impacted by the current recession.
This includes workshops on 'Starting and managing your own business' and 'Managing emotions of change'. To register for either of these workshops, visit the UWE web page using the link opposite or call 0117 3282808.
UWE are also offering a cost effective and low risk opportunity for businesses in the region to recruit graduate internships for fixed-term projects. The opportunity comes with £1,400 of funding. For more information, register your interest on the UWE website using the web link opposite.
UWE also run 'Quickmark', a market assessment service for businesses that currently is priced at £500 instead of £2,500.
UWE offer Business Improvement Projects where a UWE adviser works with you to identify a project aimed at improving competitiveness, productivity and profitability. For SMEs there is a grant available for this project.
UWE can also help businesses explore alternative solutions to redundancy and support individuals affected by redundancy. There are also a variety of short and professional courses available at the university at reduced prices. See the web link opposite.
Find UK Accountant
The website opposite provides contact information for accountants in South Gloucestershire and the UK and also details their accounting services, history and expertise. It is a growing resource for both people and companies looking for an acounting firm, and students looking for accounting jobs. The website has been online for over 5 years and has over 4000 UK accountants listed.
NetRegs
NetRegs provides free environmental guidance for small and medium-sized businesses in the UK. They can advise on what businesses need to do to comply with environmental law and protect the environment. See the web ilnk opposite.