There are plenty of different sources, some free, some paid for, and in this guide we show you a sample of what is available and where to find it. Remember, this is not a definitive list, just a sample.

THE BUSINESS LINKS

The Business Links are a Government sponsored network of independent local business information and advice centres that offer a wide range of services to the business community, designed to enhance the competitiveness of local companies. They are run by partnerships which include Chambers of Commerce, TECs, Local Authorities, Enterprise Agencies and DTI.

They offer a range of programmes, help, sources of advice and funding for pretty much most of your business needs. When it comes to finance, they can offer assistance, specifically, with matters such as choosing an accountant or business advisor, debt, business planning, borrowing, shares and equity, grants and support, insurance, retirement planning.

The starting point to finding out what is available is to log onto www.businesslink.gov.uk. From there you'll see plenty of different menu options including tools, for example, to help you choose the correct type of finance for your business. You can even search a directory of around 3000 different financial assistance programs - some free - that are available according to your need, location, business size and business sector.

But the Business Links can offer much much more. Time invested filtering through their website - and making contact with your local Business Link - will be time well spent.

THE BANKS

Naturally the banks want your business and for many they are the most logical place to start. And what better way to show off their business friendly credentials than by having business managers who can offer some help as well as websites with background information that might be of assistance. But not all banks are equal when it comes to the structure of their websites and the information they provide. By way of example, let's look at how the big four banks differ.

Barclays website, http://www.barclays.co.uk/business/, seems more geared to product sales rather than a mix of information and Barclays products. The information is there, but it's harder to find - you need to look for their Business Information Factsheets. They do also offer their Barclay Business Manager software that includes an accounts package, a planning / marketing program, and HR and Health & Safety compliance programs - all for a 'small' monthly fee.

If you go to HSBC, http://www.hsbc.co.uk/1/2/business, you'll find a page that leads to information on their products - bank accounts, savings, business insurance, commercial mortgages and the like - but it features a tab along the top called 'help with your business needs'. Click on that and you'll find options that include 'preventing card processing fraud', 'buying commercial property' and 'managing cashflow'. Follow the options through and some good, free, tips appear. It's much easier to navigate.

Natwest, http://www.natwest.com/business.asp, on the other hand have a series of online business guides that seem bitty and possibly a little basic. They offer free their Natwest Business Software which features a business planner, software to manage your accounts, invoicing and customer and supplier records.

LloydsTSB http://www.lloydstsbbusiness.com follow a similar tack to HSBC they it offers well structured menus with the same level of detail. Under the Guidance tab on the LloydsTSB website that have a series of well structured links to guides on subjects key to running a business. LloydsTSB also offer - for £22.95 - an expert advice service that covers employment, health & safety, tax, VAT and legal matters. It comes with legal expenses insurance.

While looking at the banks you may also find that you can get a better deal by switching bank. In most cases you can get 18 months free banking, if not totally free. The Alliance and Leicester Commercial Bank, https://www.alliance-leicestercommercialbank.co.uk/ is a good example of this.

Of course, these sites - and more for other banks not listed here - are a precursor to selling you products and services, and you may find more personal advice from one of their business managers. But the business advisors are generalists. You may find one who has clients in your sector, but they aren't specialists. Test their knowledge and use your own judgment.

BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

Another organisation that might be of assistance is the British Chambers of Commerce which is is a non-political, non-profit making organisation, owned and directed by its members. The idea is that each Chamber sits in its local business community to serve the entire business community and provide services, information and guidance to its members. Overall, the Chambers also exist to represent their members interests to Government and policymakers. So being a member may yield other benefits if there is a legal or regulatory change that likely to hurt you.

You'll find out much more from their website, http://www.chamberonline.co.uk/. Once there you'll see from navigating through their site that they can help with the various services that a business might need, at a cost however. But if you need assistance, you can choose from programmes that cover credit / debit card payment services, healthcare programmes, and a legal expenses / insurance helpline.

Of course, being a member of a local Chamber of Commerce may help you in other ways such as being able to offer your services to fellow members. You'll also be able to get discounts on training courses that might enhance the operation of your business.

SMALL BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS

There are two organizations that exist to help the smaller business - The Federation of Small Businesses, http://www.fsb.org.uk/, and the Forum of Private Business, http://www.fpb.org.uk/

According to the FSB's website, it is the largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms. It has over 205,000 members across 33 regions and 230 branches.

The FSB claims to offer members assistance and support 24 hours a day, while its lobbying arm applies pressure on MPs and Government. One of the benefits is their legal helpline which operates 24 hours a day.

Benefits of being a member include various financial products such as free banking services (credit balance interest, fee-free overdrafts and a free business charge card); financial services products at a reduced cost; help with small business finance; and telecoms solutions.

Again, some of the 'benefits' revolve around buying products and services, albeit at a reduced rate. However, some of the benefits accrue by being a member - the legal and tax advice line, cover for the costs of a tax enquiry of employment dispute, a regular magazine and taking part at the events it holds - to network your business contacts of course.

The FPB is similar to the FSB except that it is concerned more with business than 'small business'. It is a non-political organization that claims a membership of 25000 private businesses which in turn employ more than 600000 staff. It too offers members various services that include legal services similar to the FSBs.

It also offers payroll services, card processing via HSBC. But it goes further - it offers business software that can be rented. Called the Business Software Centre, the software is rented on a monthly basis and includes business planning, financial forecasting, staff records and appointments. The FPB also have a credit control guide.

Other features of being an FPB member include being able to use their Government grant search; debt services and a rates appeal service.

The FPB make a bold claim: They say that “If you join and we fail to meet your challenge, we will refund your membership subscription.” Both the FPB and FSB offer other services too detailed to list here.

ACCOUNTANTS

No doubt you have an accountant. Why not tap into them for financial advice and help? You are, after all, already paying for their time and they may have links to providers.

But if you've not got an accountant, and you want one, you need to make sure that you find one that is properly qualified and a member of a professional body. Unlike a doctor who has to be qualified, there is very little to stop someone setting themselves up in business and calling themselves an accountant.

There are several professional bodies - the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). For Scotland and Ireland, there are two separate but associated bodies to the ICAEW - the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS), and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ireland (ICAI). Look for these letters after the accountants name.

By choosing a qualified member of these bodies you should be guaranteed of good well founded advice. Further, if you do have any problems, you will at least have a professional body to complain to and seek redress from.

In general, the accounting bodies websites are for their members. However, the ICAEW has, on their website, http://www.icaew.com, under the tab 'Find a chartered accountant' some help topics that you might find of use. There's a search option to help you locate one of their members, but on the same page you will find information on matters such as choosing an accountant, accounts and personal / family matters, accountants as non-executive directors and accountants as independent experts. If you choose the business section, you'll find more hints and tips that will help you with the running of the business including advice on raising finance, profits, managing growth, buying / selling / merging the business, and staying within the law.

WEBSITES

There are plenty of other sources of financial help as a quick search of Google will show. Just tapping in 'business advice' brings up a whole host of various websites including http://www.smallbusiness.co.uk which has reams of articles on small business matters and links to providers. Just looking at the finance section alone brings up topics such as business angels, top finance tips, how to raise funds, financing your new business and so on. You will need to register, but that is free though.

Another to consider is http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/smallbusiness. This site features current business news topics as well as advice sections.

There is so much information out there - you just need to go and find it. Apart from the sources above, consider using the internet and Google - two truly fantastic research tools.

Adam Bernstein

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