Business Gateway is a government business start-up website providing information on the various areas relevant to setting up a new venture. Several topics are covered within the site and begin with help on formulating an action plan which focuses on the need for detailed and thorough planning and organisation. There is a section containing detailed guides on numerous areas including some for specific sections of small business including professional services and IT and telecommunications.
Business Link is a enterprise start-up portal providing resources both on a national and local community level. Detailed sections relating to specific areas of setting up are provided together with links to other websites offering information on starting a business and related topics. Business Link is a well known for its support services and for linking local small businesses for discussion and idea sharing.
My Business Rates is a government owned site seeking to provide information about rateable valuation and relief available. When a new business start-up is intending to move in to physical premises, rates might well be one of the significant costs it has to absorb in its yearly fixed costs. My Business Rates is intended for English premises only. There are separate bodies which provide resources for those located in Scotland and Wales.
Companies House provide incorporation services for all companies registered in England, Wales and Scotland. In addition to their company formation activities, they are also solely responsible for both online and offline filing of company statutory documents and financial accounts. Companies House are also an information centre for the public providing access to particulars on individual companies and their officers.
Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform was formerly the Department of Trade and Industry. The new government agency encompasses the former DTI functions as well as performing the duties previously under the jurisdiction of the Better Regulation Executive. The aims of the new agency are to provide a forum to increase the business efficiency and effectiveness on both a regional and national level.
Direct Gov is a comprehensive resource on the public services activities and work of central government. Information is provided on current all initiatives and programs which effect business and / or the public. These include the recent introduction of Home Information Packs which are applicable to houses with there bedrooms or more and will eventually become commonplace for all householders selling their property. The site is written in English, Welsh (Cymraeg) and have features to enhance accessibility and browser coverage.
Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD) is a government sponsored organisation which seeks to promote the export of UK goods and services abroad. The website provides information for companies seeking to export to other countries and who may have exposure in the form of non payment for their goods by the foreign purchaser. The ECGD site details their activities in providing insurance services and financial assistance to UK exporters and how they attempt to harmonise the world trading stage to enable home countries to compete fairly.
Health and Safety Executive is an information resource on responsible working practices to ensure that persons avoid injury and other hazards. These cover inflictions which might occur either in the course of their employment or as a result of the business practices of others. A section is devoted to current topics of public interest such as smoking at work and the design and implementation of new nuclear reactors. Current high profile cases which the HSE are pursuing are detailed as well as useful information relating to the obligations of becoming a landlord.
HM Revenue and Customs is responsible for the assessment and collection of UK taxes both from individuals and businesses. Formed as a result of the consolidation between the old Inland Revenue and HM Customs and Excise, the new organisation provides a single point of contact for the whole of the taxation system. The website is largely a portal from which visitors can obtain information as well as electronically register and submit various returns and payments.
HM Treasury provide financial and fiscal information on the UK economy and important factor which affect it. The website details the government’s current thinking on the global events which might have a monetary impact on the situation in the UK and lists a number of areas where legislation and consultations are taking place or are scheduled to occur in the future. UK companies will obviously be subject to forthcoming budgets and changes in the law and might benefit from a glimpse of current views and opinions.
The Patent Office, (also known as the Intellectual Property Office) is the government department that has responsibility for the issue of patents and trademarks in the UK. In addition to providing information on these areas, resources are also available for the protection of certain designs and copyrighted material. In seeking to offer assistance and registrations of intellectual property, the Patent Office hopes to encourage innovation and development in the UK.
Preparing for Emergencies provides advice and resources for individuals and businesses on how they can reduce risks and avoid disruption. The website also has information on what can be done should an emergency occur.
Suggestions for additional resources which could be included in the Government Resources for Small Businesses and Start-ups section should be submitted via the contact us form. A brief description of the website and a URL is required.
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