starting up a business advice

BUSINESS & IP CENTRE Information Sources for Starting Up in Business Updated 18 July 2008 Finding the right information is a crucial part of both starting up and developing your enterprise. This document contains details of a wide range of online databases, books, directories, journals and websites all of which provide vital business start-up information and advice. You can find information on everything from how to write a businessplan and how to secure grants and finance to tax and book keeping and employing and training staff. All of the sources (online databases and printed resources) contained in this document are available in the Business & IP Centre at the British Library British Library Business & IP Centre, 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB, www.bl.uk/bipc Note: Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this document, however some recently acquired items may since have been added to the collection. Please ask for help at the enquiry desk or check the Business Information Catalogue for more details. Contents General Business Start-up Advice & Information Intellectual Property Registering a Business Name or Ltd Company or Sole Trader Grants and Raising Finance How to Write a Business Plan Tax & Book Keeping Exporting & Importing Employing & Training Staff Franchising Buying an Existing Business Health & Safety Trading Regulations & Data Protection Social Enterprise Young Persons’ Business Start-up Help Partners of the British Library Pg 2 Pg 4 Pg 5 Pg 6 Pg 8 Pg 10 Pg 11 Pg 12 Pg 13 Pg 14 Pg 14 Pg 15 Pg 15 Pg 17 Pg 18 1 Jeremy O’Hare General Start-up Advice & Information Databases COBRA (Complete Business Reference Adviser, available in the Business & IP Centre) A versatile encyclopaedia of practical information for anyone starting-up, running and managing a small business. It includes a range of different business start-up ideas such as opening a restaurant, hairdressing salon, design or consultancy business. Director’s Briefing (on-site password access available in the Business & IP Centre). A series of page briefings on running and starting a business. Report titles range from 'Advertising your business' to 'Your website strategy'. It also includes a report on 'How to write your business plan'. www.theinformationcentre.co.uk Websites Biz-in-a-Box This website offers a free business start-up guide which looks at business planning, protecting your venture, accounting, staffing your business, finance and other issues. http://www.biz-in-a-box.co.uk/startguide/Guideindex.html Business Eye A free impartial business support agency for Wales, created to help answer queries relating to establishing a company or putting people in touch with public, private or voluntary sectors. http://www.businesseye.org.uk/ Business Gateway Business Gateway is a partnership with Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Executive and Local Authorities. Its mission is to support economic development in Scotland. http://www.bgateway.com/ Fifty Lessons This site includes short videos from some of the world’s most successful business leaders offering tips and lessons learnt in different areas of business. A free trial is offered on the site. http://www.50lessons.com/ Lawyers For Your Business A network of 1,200 of solicitor firms offering specialist advice to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). Lawyers for Your Business also offers free half-hour legal consultation. http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/choosingandusing/helpyourbusiness/foryourbusiness.law London Business Support Service LBSS offer cost effective business advice, practical solutions and a wide range of relevant business support services delivered to SMEs by a team of specialist business advisers. http://www.thelbss.co.uk/ National Federation of Enterprise Agencies A network of independent, not-for-profit, local enterprise agencies providing a range of services targeting pre-start-ups, start-ups and micro businesses. The website contains information on its services and how to contact an agency near you for advice. http://www.nfea.com Small Business This is a sponsored website for small business information that features articles on key areas of concern for SMEs as well as links to commercial and government information. Topics listed include; 2 Jeremy O’Hare Start a Business, Business Technology, Small Business Finance, Franchise Information, Sales & Marketing, Franchise Directory and Legal Services. http://www.smallbusiness.co.uk Small Business Advice Service This website is supported by the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies (see above). The service provides access to a range of business information and tools including reference documents, checklists, business planning software, links to other external information sources and services. It also has an "ask a business advisor" service that lets you e-mail an accredited business advisor for free about your business idea. http://www.smallbusinessadvice.org.uk/ Startups A website for anyone interested in starting a business. It features many ‘how-to’ guides, newsletters, case studies and a forum to network with other entrepreneurs. http://www.startups.co.uk/ The Tavistock Directory This website lists offices and business centres in the UK and worldwide. http://www.tavistockdirectory.com/ Venture Navigator A free online service designed to help start-ups and small businesses improve their chances of success. Assessment based feedback for your business is provided on this site. Venture Navigator is government funded. http://www.venturenavigator.co.uk/ Your Small Business This website has free articles on creating, running and maintaining your own small business. http://www.yoursmallbusiness.co.uk/ British Library Partners for Business Support Business Link The Business Link service operates through local offices in England. It offers free, independent business start-up and business growth information, advice, training, case studies, checklists, business guides and networking opportunities. http://www.businesslink.gov.uk Centa Business Services Centa has over 24 years experience of providing impartial advice and hands on support to start-ups and micro businesses, from securing finance, mentoring, expanding business ideas, training and providing practical help to set up and run a business. http://www.centa.co.uk/default.aspx London Business Support Service LBSS offer cost effective business advice, practical solutions and a wide range of relevant business support services delivered to SMEs by a team of specialist business advisers. http://www.thelbss.co.uk/ Striding Out The Striding Out community consists of like-minded individuals who actively learn, support and connect with each other, to develop essential entrepreneurial skills and supportive relationships. http://www.stridingout.co.uk/ 3 Jeremy O’Hare Books (all available in the Business & IP Centre) The Beermat Entrepreneur: Turn Your Good Idea Into A Great Business (Mike Southon and Chris West, Prentice Hall, 2005) [Small Business Help Section] Entrepreneurship (Bruce Barringer, Pearson Prentice Hall, 2006) [Small Business Help Section] The Entrepreneur’s Book of Checklists (Robert Ashton, Pearson Prentice Hall, 2004) [Small Business Help Section] The Financial Times Guide to Business Start up (Financial Times, Prentice Hall, 2006) [Small Business Help Section] The Kitchen Table Entrepreneur (Paul Power, Oxford How to Books, 2006) [Small Business Help Section] Lessons From the Edge: Survival Skills for Starting and Growing a Company (Jana Matthews, Jeff Dennis, with Peter Economy, Oxford University Press, 2003) [YK.2004.a.4040] New Business Road Test (John W. Mullins, Financial Times, 2006) [Small Business Help Section] Small Business Start-up Workbook (Cheryl Rickman, Oxford How to Books, 2005) [Small Business Help Section] Starting a Business in Britain (Brian O'Kane, Virgin, 2006) [SPIS 658.110941 Social Sciences] Starting a Business from Home (Colin Barrow, Kogan Page, 2008) [Small Business Help Section] Surviving a Downturn (Jeremy Kourdi, A & C Black) [Small Business Help Section] Working for Yourself: an entrepreneur’s guide to the basics (Jonathan Reuvid, Kogan Page, 2007) [Small Business Help Section] Intellectual Property (IP) If you have any invention or idea you are looking to commercialise, you need to find out more about your intellectual property and how you can protect it. There are four main types of intellectual property; patents, trade marks, copyright and registered designs. Understanding the type of protection required for your idea is an essential element in its overall development. The resources in the Centre can help you with this. Databases COBRA (Complete Business Reference Adviser, available in the Business & IP Centre) A versatile encyclopaedia of practical information for anyone starting-up, running and managing a small business. It includes bite-sized help guides on all aspects of intellectual property. Derwent Innovations Index (available in the Business & IP Centre) This database provides international patent abstracts written by professionals, facilities for searching by ‘owning company’, forward and backward citation and some status information. It covers many countries, starting from 1963 (pharmaceuticals), 1968 (other chemistry) and 1973 (all). Websites British Library free e-courses on intellectual property A series of interactive, practical e-courses where entrepreneurs, inventors and SMEs can learn about intellectual property – including patents, trade marks and registered designs. The first course “How 4 Jeremy O’Hare to protect and develop your idea” incorporates key information from courses available onsite in the Business & IP Centre. http://bipc-ecourses.bl.uk/ Ideas21 Ideas21 is supported by both government and private organisations and has expanded with regular evening network meetings, free 30-40 minute expert advice sessions for women inventors, seminars and workshops on successful innovation and a lot more. http://www.ideas21.co.uk/ The UK Intellectual Property Office (UK-IPO) A must view site for anyone concerned with patenting (protecting an invention), trademarks (such as registering a brand name), copyright and design. Follow the links to view clear explanations on registering, legal issues and associated fees. Free trademark and design searches can also be made on this site. http://www.ipo.gov.uk/home.htm Espacenet This is the European Patent Office’s website. On the site you can search patents internationally by a number of different search terms. Many complete specifications are available, although coverage varies by country. British patents can be searched, by key words in the abstract as far back as the 1890s. http://ep.espacenet.com/?locale=en_EP British Library Partners for Business Support Halebury Ventures Limited Halebury is a virtual law practice, offering support on the telephone or by email, operating with a wide range of clients. http://www.halebury.com/ Invention Intelligence Invention Intelligence helps today’s inventors and innovators get savvy about developing their innovative ideas and taking them to market. http://www.inventionintelligence.com/ Books (all available in the Business & IP Centre) Defending the Brand (Brian H. Murray, Amacom, 2004) [Small Business Help Section] A Guidebook to Intellectual Property (Sweet & Maxwell, 2004) [Small Business Help Section] Innovate Like Edison (Michael Gelb, Dutton, 2007) [Small Business Help Section] The Inventor’s and Innovator’s Kick-Start Guide (Jules May, Two Little Ducks, 2005) [Small Business Help Section] Teach Yourself Intellectual Property (Lawrence Smith-Higgins, Hodder Arnold, 2006) [Small Business Help Section] Registering a Business Name or Limited Company or Sole Trader Websites Companies House The official government register of UK companies. It incorporates and dissolves limited companies, 5 Jeremy O’Hare examines and stores company information delivered under the Companies Act and related legislation and makes this information available to the public. You can check to see if your proposed company name is already being used through this site. www.companieshouse.gov.uk New Business Register Plc This website is designed to enable start-ups and entrepreneurs to decide which is the best structure for their new enterprise. It offers free information, advice and support in setting up a new business, registering a business name, new company, trade mark or brand and domain name. http://www.start.biz/home.htm HM Revenue & Customs These web pages aim to help you understand some of the areas relating to tax and National Insurance issues you need to think about when you're running a business. They also provide a guide to starting-up in business which can be downloaded for free from the site. http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/startingup/index.htm Books (all available in the Business & IP Centre) The Company Director’s Manual (Indicator, 2006) [Small Business Help Section] Limited Company Formation Made Easy (Reynolds Roberton, Lawpack, 2005) [Small Business Help Section] Mergers and Acquisitions: a practical guide for private companies (Jonathan Reuvid, Kogan Page, 2007) [Small Business Help Section] Grants and Raising Finance Websites Access to Finance This London Development Agency (LDA) programme is designed to assist businesses across London in raising finance. Users of this service are matched with experts to help and advise on different finance options. http://www.lda.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.559 Angels Den A fee-based service that connects entrepreneurs searching for business funding with private investors. http://www.angelsden.co.uk/ Business Link This section of the Business Link website looks at how to raise finance through borrowing, shares, equity, grants and government support. http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?r.s=tl&topicId=1073858790 British Venture Capital Association The BVCA represents the UK private equity and venture capital industry; around 165 UK private equity firms that currently invest in over 11,000 companies, employing nearly 3 million people between them. http://www.bvca.co.uk/ British Business Angels Association (BBAA) The BBAA is the National Trade Association for the UK’s Business Angel Networks and its 6 Jeremy O’Hare Associates and Affiliates. It has evolved from National Business Angel Network (NBAN) and is backed by the DTI and is sponsored by Nesta and Kingston Smith. http://www.bbaa.org.uk Company Guides This website includes a significant listing of funding websites, which is available on the document Sources of Finance and Advice for SMEs in London. Register for free at the URL: http://www.companyguides.com/ Co-operative & Community Finance Co-operatives UK is a national member-owned and led organisation that promotes and supports the development and growth of new and existing co-operatives. http://www.co-opandcommunityfinance.coop/ G2i Supported by the London Developement Agency, g2i matches investors with entrepreneurs through equity investment. It is a consortium of private sector specialists that assist companies to become “investor ready“. For London companies only, check on the website for further eligibility. http://www.g2i.org/ GK Partners GK Partners is an independent limited company guided by a social enterprise and corporate responsibility ethos. They provide high quality professional services at competitive market rates. Access to Social Enterprise, Ethical and Islamic Finance (A2F), Access to Sustainable Property (A2P), Access to Social Economy Markets (A2M), Improving Socio-Economic Impacts of Remittances (RemitAidT), Evaluation of Projects, Programmes and Institutions (EPPI), Corporate Ethical Compliance (CEC). http://www.gkpartners.co.uk/ Grantnet A free database on the web that contains details of grants and funding available in the UK. First time users will need to register for a password. Grantfinder is a subscription service providing more details on individual grants and is available for free in the Business & IP Centre. http://www.grantnet.com/index.php? Greater London Enterprise Greater London Enterprises helps businesses in London that aren’t able to obtain funding from banks. GLE oneLondon provide loans, business plan support and even mentors. GLE oneLondon particularly wants to support businesses from socially and economically disadvantaged groups. http://www.gle.co.uk/onelondon/index.php J4b.co.uk A website with comprehensive grant information for the UK & Ireland with over 4,500 programmes covering European, national, regional, local and lottery funds. Registration is required. http://www.j4b.co.uk/ London Business Angel Network The Business Angel Network for London has some 130 business leaders from the south of England, offering £50 million for potential investment. Selection is made through submitting an executive summary or business plan. http://www.lbangels.co.uk/ London Seed Capital Working in conjunction with the London Business Angel Network, London Seed invests alongside business angels for London based companies. http://www.londonseedcapital.com/ 7 Jeremy O’Hare Small Firms Loan Guarantee A link from the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (DBERR) website that includes the Small Firms Loan Guarantee and Enterprise Capital Funds. http://www.berr.gov.uk/bbf/BSS/page29001.html Books (all available in the Business & IP Centre) Attracting Capital from Angels (Brian Hill, Wiley, 2002) [Small Business Help Section] Attracting Investors (Philip Kotler, Wiley, 2004) [Small Business Help Section] British Venture Capital Association Directory 2005/06 (BVCA, 2005) [Directories 332.04154] Directory of Grant Making Trusts 2007-08 (Directory of Social Change) [Directories 361.763] The Grants Register 2008 (Palgrave Macmillan, 2007) [Directories 378.33 Business] Raising Venture Capital Finance in Europe (Keith Arundale, Kogan Page, 2007) [Small Business Help Section] Smarter Ventures: A Survivors Guide to Venture Capital through the New Cycle (Katharine Campbell, FT Prentice Hall, 2003) [Small Business Help Section] Venture Capital Funding: A Practical Guide to Raising Finance (Stephen Bloomfield, Kogan Page, 2005) [Small Business Help Section] How to Write a Business Plan Websites Planware An Irish website that offers free business plan templates and cash flow forecast software. It also has advice and information on how to write a business plan. http://www.planware.org/busplan.htm Biz-in-a-Box This website offers a five stage business planning process guide. www.biz-in-a-box.co.uk Business Link This site offers a checklist of what your business plan should include, such as how to complete financial forecasts, looking at your markets and competitors, defining your marketing and sales strategy, staff skills and how to present your business plan. http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?topicId=1073869162 Business Plan Index The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s site offers a list of subject links to sample business plans. http://www.carnegielibrary.org/research/business/bplansindex.html Royal Bank of Scotland The RBS website has free business plan software which can be downloaded to your desktop. http://www.rbs.co.uk/Small_Business/Business_Plan_Software/default.htm 8 Jeremy O’Hare Bulletproof Business Plans An effective guide that provides sample business plans. The components outlined include covers, table of contents, disclaimers, executive summary, the enterprise, the market, operations, the organisation, key risks, prospective financials and an appendix. http://www.bulletproofbizplans.com/bpsample/Sample_Plan/sample_plan.html Bplans This is an American site that has free samples of completed business plans to view online. http://www.bplans.com/sp/businessplans.cfm Centre for Business Planning This American site provides information on every area of planning a business including; acquiring venture capital, market analysis, competitive analysis, production management, preparing financial statements and writing a business plan. http://www.businessplans.org/ British Library Partners for Business Support Business Plan Services BPS operates in association with the London Business School and specialises in assisting clients with business planning. http://www.bizplans.co.uk/ Centa Business Services Centa Business Services has over 24 years experience of providing impartial advice and hands on support to start-up and micro businesses; from securing finance, to mentoring, expanding business ideas, training and practical help to set up and run a business. http://www.centa.co.uk/ Books (all available in the Business & IP Centre) The Best Laid Business Plans. How to Write Them, How to Pitch Them (Paul Barrow, Virgin, 2001) [Small Business Help Section] The Business Plan Workbook (Colin Barrow, Kogan Page, 2005) [Small Business Help Section] Business Plans for Dummies (Paul Tiffany, John Wiley, 2004) [Small Business Help Section] The Definitive Business Plan (Richard Stutely, Financial Times, 2002) [Small Business Help] How to Prepare a Business Plan (Kogan Page, 2008) [Small Business Help Section] How to Write a Business Plan (Brian Finch, Kogan Page, 2001) [SPIS.658.4012] New Business Road Test (John W Mullins, Prentice Hall, 2003) [Small Business Help Section] The Straight Forward Business Plan (John Martin, Straightforward, 2002) [Small Business Help Section] Tax & Book Keeping Websites Clearly Business Clearly Business specialises in developing and providing software, information, best practice guides, 9 Jeremy O’Hare news, and services designed to ensure the growth, efficiency and success of UK small businesses. This site has a very useful section on book keeping and is also managed by Barclays Bank. http://www.clearlybusiness.com/advice-and-support/finance HM Revenue & Customs The HM Government site contains essential information on all aspects of taxation. The section on starting-up in business explains the importance of registering with the Inland Revenue and contains copies of all essential forms (including tax returns). There are a number of free leaflets and booklets available. http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/home.htm Tax Aid A UK charity that provides free tax advice to people who cannot afford to pay a professional adviser. The service is independent and confidential. http://www.taxaid.org.uk/ Law on the Web This site offers plain English information on tax issues. This includes starting-up a business, inheritance tax, capital gains tax and self assessment. http://www.lawontheweb.co.uk/basics/tax.htm Books (all available in the Business & IP Centre) Accounting for Non-Accountants (Graham Mott, Kogan Page, 2005) [Small Business Help Section] Basic Accounting (Randall Stott, Teach Yourself Books, 2003) [Small Business Help Section] Book-Keeping (Andrew Piper, Teach, 2003) [Small Business Help Section] Book-keeping & Accounting for the Small Business. How to Keep the Books and Maintain Financial Control Over Your Business (Peter Taylor, How To Books, 2003) [Small Business Help Section] Essential Management Accounting (Belinda Steffan, Kogan Page, 2008) [Small Business Help Section] Finance for Non-Financial Managers (Philip Ramsden, Teach Yourself, 2003) [Small Business Help Section] Getting the Company to Pay (Tips and Advice Books, Indicator, 2006) [Small Business Help Section] The Meaning of Company Accounts (Walter Reid, Gower, 2005) [Small Business Help Section] Watching the Bottom Line (John Whiteley, How to Books, 2004) [Small Business Help Section] Exporting & Importing Websites Alibaba Directory A website that connects small and medium-sized enterprises to suppliers around the world. http://www.alibaba.com/ British Chambers of Commerce Export Zone The British Chambers of Commerce offers advice, information on export procedures, training and runs business match-making events. 10 Jeremy O’Hare http://www.chamberonline.co.uk/exportzone Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD) ECGD is the UK's official export credit agency. It offers advice and information on export credit, finance and insurance. http://www.ecgd.gov.uk/ Federation of International Trade Associations A comprehensive listing of web resources with some 8000 links to international trade, with categories such as ‘Trade and Economic Statistics’, ‘Import & Export Consulting’ and ‘Cultural Issues’. http://fita.org/webindex/index.html The Institute of Export The Institute offers training in export and international trade management as well as an information trade desk to answer any export questions you might have. http://www.export.org.uk HM Revenue & Customs This site contains guides on importing and exporting and the systems and procedures you need to follow. Follow the link “Imports and Exports” under the “Businesses and Corporations” heading. http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/home.htm UK Trade Information This site includes complete and up-to-date information on UK imports and exports produced by the Statistical and Analysis of Trade Unit (SATU), a part of HM Revenue & Customs. http://www.uktradeinfo.com/index.cfm?task=Home UK Trade & Investment UK Trade & Investment can help first time exports with a free “Passport to Export” toolkit. The ‘toolkit’ includes a business health check, mentoring from one of its local export advisors, an individual export plan and a range of developmental training from which to choose. It can help businesses experienced in international trade to expand into new markets, develop export capabilities and provide expert advice, reliable data, trade missions, country market research grant and a research service. https://www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk Books, Journals and Directories (all available in the Business & IP Centre) A-Z Export Briefing – Also known as Croners (Walters Kluwer) [(P) 382.6094105] British Exports (Reed Business Information, 2005) [Directories 382.606541 Business] Building an Import/Export Business (Kenneth D. Weiss, J. Wiley, 2002) [Small Business Help Section] The Citigroup World Export Credit Guide (Euromoney Institutional Investor, 2005-06) [Directories 332.742 Business] Croners A-Z Guide to Export (Croner Publications, 2008) [Directories 382.6094105] Croner Importers Briefing (Croner CCH Group Ltd, Monthly) [ZC.9.b.5680] Export Guide (NCG Media) [Directories 382.6 Business] Growing Your Business Globally (Robert A. Taft, Thomson, 2005) [SPIS 338.881 Open Access] 11 Jeremy O’Hare Import/Export. How to Get Started in International Trade (Carl A. Nelson, McGraw-Hill, 2000) [YK.2001.a.14848] International Directory of Importers (Interdata, 2008) [Directories 382.50254 Business] International Trade Today: Problem Solving for UK Companies Who Buy and Sell in Overseas Markets (Institute of Export, Monthly) [(P) AL 18 – E(27) BUS] Overseas Trade (BOTB, Monthly) [(P) AL 87 – E(2) BUS] Trade & Export Finance Handbook (Ark Financial Publishing, 2005) [Directories 332.742 Business] Employing & Training Staff Websites Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service This organisation provides up-to-date information, independent advice, training and works with employers and employees to solve problems and improve performance. It also offers information on employment contracts and recruitment issues. http://www.acas.org.uk/ The Apprenticeships Programme The programme is run nationally through the Learning & Skills Council’s local offices and network of learning providers. It can advise you about other ways you can develop and train your workforce. http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/ Employment Relations Directorate This is a department of the government department of Trade & Industry (DTI) that works to develop a framework for employers and employees that promotes a skilled and flexible labour market, founded on principles of partnership. The site offers information on minimum wage, employee rights, trade unions and redundancy entitlement. http://www.berr.gov.uk/employment/index.html Learn Direct Learn Direct is a network of online learning and information services. It's a government-sponsored initiative in flexible learning. It offers businesses online learning solutions for organisations of all types and sizes. As the courses are delivered online, you can work through them at a time and pace to suit you. www.learndirect.co.uk Job Centre Plus The Centre is designed to help you find the people you need to fill your vacancies, and provide you with useful information about recruitment. http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/cms.asp?Page=/Home/Employers Work Train Find details about advertising and recruitment, information to help you deal with staffing issues or support for your employees. It also includes links to guidelines, regulations and legislation for employers. www.worktrain.gov.uk 12 Jeremy O’Hare Books & Journals (all available in the Business & IP Centre) Blackwell Handbook of Personnel Selection (Oxford, Blackwell, 2005) [SPIS 658.3112] Employment 2007/08 (Croner, 2007) [Small Business Help Section] Essential Documents Employment (Indicator, 2007) [Small Business Help Section] Essential Documents for Staff Handbooks (Indicator, 2007) [Small Business Help Section] Excellent Employment (Ann Andrews, A&C Black) [Small Business Help Section] Managing Recruitment and Selection: Appointing the Best Staff (Maureen Cooper & Bev Curtis, Network Educational Press, 2001) [YK.2003.a.6845] Small Business Employment Law for Dummies (Liz Barclay, Wiley, 2005) [Small Business Help Section] Tolley's Managing Fixed-Term and Part-time Workers: A Practical Guide to Employing Temporary and Part-Time Staff (Lynda A.C. Macdonald, LexisNexis UK, 2003) [SPIS.344.4101125] Franchising Websites British Franchise Association This website offers free advice, seminars and information on franchising your business and how to buy a franchise. IT also has a listing of franchises for sale. http://www.british-franchise.org/ The Franchise Business This website has information on what to look for when buying and selling a franchise and how to franchise your business. It also includes a directory of franchises available. http://www.franchisebusiness.co.uk/ Franchise Magazine Articles and guidance on franchising in the UK. http://www.thefranchisemagazine.net/ FranInfo This site contains a directory of franchises available, latest news, events diary and fact sheets. http://www.franinfo.co.uk/ Which Franchise This site helps you understand what is involved in becoming a franchisee, so that you can decide whether or not it is for you. It also offers advice, information, seminars and a franchise directory. www.whichfranchise.com UK Franchise Directory A searchable online version of the printed directory with listings of popular franchise categories. http://www.theukfranchisedirectory.net/ Books & Journals (all available in the Business & IP Centre) The Franchise Annual (Info Franchise News Inc, 2005) [Directories 381.1302573 Business] 13 Jeremy O’Hare Franchise Magazine (Franchise Publications, Monthly) [(P) AL 91 – E(2) BUS] Franchise World (Franchise Services, Monthly) [(P) AL 91 – E(4) BUS] Franchise World Directory (Franchise World, 2007) [Directories 381.1302541 Business] How to Choose a Franchise (Iain Murray, Kogan Page, 2004) [Small Business Help Section] Teach Yourself Franchising (Kurt Illetschko, Teach Yourself Books, 2006) [Small Business Help Section] United Kingdom Franchise Directory (Franchise Development Services ltd, 2006) [Directories 381.13 Business] Buying an Existing Business Websites Daltons Business This website contains a database of over 25,000 businesses for sale. You can search the website for links to specific business areas including franchises for sale, commercial property, pubs and hotels. It also publishes a weekly magazine of business for sale. http://www.daltonsbusiness.com/ Businesses For Sale This site has a directory of buyers, business for sale, franchises and broker information. www.businessesforsale.com/ Health & Safety Databases COBRA (Complete Business Reference Adviser, available in the Business & IP Centre). This database includes a whole section on Health & Safety. Websites Envirowise Envirowise offer UK businesses free, independent, confidential advice and support on practical ways to increase profits, minimise waste and reduce environmental impact. www.envirowise.gov.uk Environment Agency This web site is designed to help businesses understand the complex regulations affecting their environmental obligations. It is designed for small businesses and contains both mandatory measures required by the law and good practice measures to help look after your environment. www.environment-agency.gov.uk/netregs Health & Safety Executive This site offers information to protect everyone against risks to health or safety arising out of work activities, to conduct and sponsor research, promote training, provide an information and advisory service and submit proposals for new or revised regulations and approved codes of practice. http://www.hse.gov.uk/businesses.htm 14 Jeremy O’Hare Books (all available in the Business & IP Centre) Essentials of Health and Safety at Work (HSE Books, 2006) OPA.2006.x.151 Enhancing Occupational Safety and Health (Geoff Taylor, Elsevier Oxford-Heinemann, 2004) [YK.2006.a.15745] Health and Safety 2007/08 (Croner, 2007) [Small Business Help Section] Health and Safety Today for SME’s (2005 issues - Periodical Humanities ZK.9.b.22483) The Law of Health and Safety at Work (Norman Selwyn, Croner, 2005) [YC.2007.a.2726] Trading Regulations & Data Protection Websites Trading Standards This website offers information and guidance leaflets on all aspects of trading standards, such as animal health and welfare, consumers’ and buyer's rights (including selling methods), fair trading (including pricing), food, safety and weights and measures. http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/business/business.cfm Information Commission The Information Commission promotes good information handling practice around enforcing data protection and Freedom of Information (foI) legislation. Its website offers lots of advice on complying with this legislation. http://www.ico.gov.uk/ Books & Journals (available in the Business & IP Centre) TS Today: The Trading Standards Review (Trading Standards Institute, monthly) [(P) PJ 15 -E(1)] Social Enterprise Social enterprise is a way of doing business that makes a positive social and/or environmental change. Social enterprises believe that there are other things as important as making a profit, such as working with homeless people or young people with problems, helping the world’s poorest people get out of poverty, encouraging people to recycle, and much more. Websites Adventure Capital Fund A special fund set up to finance community development across the UK. Previous successes have made this a popular source for finance. http://www.adventurecapitalfund.org.uk/ Business in the Community An organisation that helps to integrate “responsible business” through its operations to create a positive impact on society. http://www.bitc.org.uk/ CAN (Community Action Network) CAN support social entrepreneurs to maximise their social impact. http://www.can-online.org.uk/ 15 Jeremy O’Hare Community Development Finance Association (CDFA) CDFA lends and invests in business areas that are underserved by markets that can’t get access to mainstream finance. The website has a search page of CDFA members that may be able to assist. http://www.cdfa.org.uk/ Community Interest Companies This site provides information for anyone interested in registering as a ‘Community Interest Company’ as well as a list of existing registered companies. http://www.cicregulator.gov.uk/ Co-operatives UK This is the website of the membership organisation that promotes co-operative enterprise. The website has information on co-operative news and support services available for members. http://www.cooperatives-uk.coop/live/cme0.htm GK Partners A company that provides advisers and project consultants for social enterprise, NGOs, charities, government departments and other organisations. http://www.gkpartners.co.uk/ i-genius A global community that supports social enterprise. http://www.i-genius.org/ Nearbuyou A trading network for those wishing to trade with social enterprises. http://www.nearbuyou.co.uk/ The School for Social Entrepreneurs The School for Social Entrepreneurs helps to provide training opportunities for entrepreneurs. The school was founded in 1997 and now has a network across the UK. http://www.sse.org.uk/ Social Enterprise Ambassadors A group of inspirational people that lead social enterprise in the UK. There are more than thirty ambassadors with different business interests listed, along with interviews, on the site. http://www.socialenterpriseambassadors.org/ Social Enterprise Coalition The Coalition is the UK’s national body for social enterprise. Its members work to inform policy, promote the benefits of social enterprise and share best practice. This website includes podcasts, case studies and useful links. http://www.socialenterprise.org.uk/Default.aspx Social Enterprise London This is the largest social enterprise network in the UK with nearly 400 businesses. This website has an online directory of social enterprises searchable by sector and opportunities for training with other links to advisory services. http://www.sel.org.uk/ Social Enterprise Training and Support Consortium (SETAS) The SETAS website provides links to training, support and specialist publications about social enterprise. News and e-mail updates are also available. http://www.setas.co.uk/ 16 Jeremy O’Hare Social Firms UK Social Firms are market-led businesses specifically created to help disadvantaged people gain employment. Supporting information can be found on this website. http://www.socialfirms.co.uk/ UnltdWorld UnLtd World is a social networking site for social entrepreneurs. Users can share resources, post events, answer questions, start discussions and set up groups. An on-site tour provides a good overview. http://www.unltd.org.uk/ Books & Journals (all available in the Business & IP Centre) Ethical Consumer (ECRA Publishing, bi-monthly) [(P) AQ91 E(28)] Social Enterprise in Anytown (John Pearce, Calouste Gulbenkian, 2003) [Small Business Help Section] Working Ethically (A&C Black, 2007) [Small Business Help Section] Your Ethical Business (Paul Allen, ngo media, 2007) [Small Business Help Section] Young Persons Business Start-up Help (under 30) The Prince’s Trust The Prince’s Trust offers low interest loans, ongoing business support and specialist advice such as a free legal helpline, ongoing advice from a volunteer business mentor and access to a wide range of products and services, free or at discounts. http://www.princes-trust.org.uk/ Shell Live Wire Shell Live Wire helps 16-30 year olds to start and develop their own business and hosts a national competition for new business start-ups. www.shell-livewire.org Youth Business International (YBI) A unit of The Prince of Wales International Business Leaders Forum that helps disadvantaged young people realise their ambitions to become entrepreneurs. More than 50,000 young people have been set up in business by twenty YBI programmes around the world. www.youth-business.org Partners of the British Library offering Business Support ACBBA (Association of Community Based Business Advice) ACBBA is an association representing community groups delivering business support services. Their mission is to create a support structure at community level capable of promoting entrepreneurial solutions among people facing disadvantage, particularly among BAME communities. http://www.acbba.org.uk/ Business Link London The Business Link service operates through local offices in England. It offers free, independent business start-up and business growth information, advice, training, case studies, checklists, business guides and networking opportunities. http://www.bllondon.co.uk/ 17 Jeremy O’Hare Business Plan Services Business Plan Services ('BPS') operates in association with the internationally respected London Business School to specialise exclusively in assisting clients with all aspects of effective business planning. BPS' services are individually tailored to meet client requirements. http://www.bizplans.co.uk/ Centa Centa has over 24 years experience of providing impartial advice and hands on support to start-ups and micro businesses, from securing finance, mentoring, expanding business ideas, training and providing practical help to set up and run a business. http://www.centa.co.uk/ Create KX CreateKX is an independent body, led by people working in creative businesses and cultural organisations based in King’s Cross and the surrounding areas. They work across all the arts and creative industries, developing the creative community living and working in King’s Cross, and to ensure its place in the future as an international centre for creative excellence. http://www.createkx.org.uk/default.aspa DAWN (Dynamic Asian Women’s Network) DAWN is the hub where dynamic professional & entrepreneurial Asian women connect, engage and explore ideas and opportunities to expand their horizons. Through its programmes and networking events, it allows women to explore new careers, transition to other industries and rediscover their potential at any stage of their lives. http://www.mydawn.co.uk/ GK Partners GK Partners is an independent limited company guided by a social enterprise and corporate responsibility ethos. They provide high quality professional services that include access to Social Enterprise, Ethical and Islamic Finance and Corporate Ethical Compliance (CEC). http://www.gkpartners.co.uk/ Halebury Ventures Limited Halebury lawyers are exceptionally qualified, each one with several years of experience working for prestigious city law firms as well as for companies such as BP and Nortel. Although the mode of conducting business has developed, the service to clients remains untouched. Perfect for entrepreneurs and start ups. http://www.halebury.com/ Invention Intelligence Invention Intelligence helps today’s inventors and innovators get savvy about developing their innovative ideas and taking them to market. Invention Intelligence puts special emphasis on making the most of inner qualities for success, practical product development and being commercially minded. http://www.inventionintelligence.com/ Ideas 21 Ideas21 is supported by both government and private organisations and has expanded with regular evening network meetings, free 30-40 minute expert advice sessions for women inventors, seminars and workshops on successful innovation and a lot more. http://www.ideas21.co.uk/ Integra Communications Clients look to Integra for advice on the contribution public relations can make to overall business objectives and rely on their ability to develop a PR strategy which delivers significant returns. 18 Jeremy O’Hare http://www.integracommunications.co.uk/ Leonard Cheshire Disability Leonard Cheshire is one of the UK's largest charities, with the aim of changing attitudes to disability and serving disabled people. They deliver a wide-range of services that support disabled people such as the “Ready to Start” initiative aimed at encouraging and providing support for disabled people to start their own business. http://www.readytostart.org.uk/ London Remade London Remade is a not for profit business working to develop markets for recycled products, provide tailored support to help grow green enterprises and introduce green practices to existing businesses. http://www.londonremade.com/ Kings Cross Business Forum The main focus of the Forum is to promote King’s Cross as a great place to work and do business. With over 2,000 business members, the KXBF gives its members access to a wide range of opportunities such as networking events, Business Improvement Seminars, the opportunity to become closely engaged with the regeneration process and find out about developments and have your say. http://www.camden.gov.uk/ccm/navigation/business Red Ochre Red Ochre is a long established social enterprise that believes that social enterprise and responsible ethical business offers the best route to economic, social and environmental sustainability and well being. http://www.redochre.org.uk/ Rasheed Ogunlaru Rasheed Ogunlaru is a leading UK-based life coach, business coach and motivational speaker. He helps people of all backgrounds achieve greater success and fulfillment in all areas of their lives, careers, relationships and business. http://www.rasaru.com/ Striding Out The Striding Out community consists of like-minded individuals who actively learn, support and connect with each other, to develop essential entrepreneurial skills and supportive relationships. http://www.stridingout.co.uk/ The London Business Support Service LBSS offer cost effective business advice, practical solutions and a wide range of relevant business support services delivered to SMEs by a team of specialist business advisers. http://www.thelbss.co.uk/ UK Intellectual Property Office The UK IPO is responsible for the national framework of Intellectual Property rights, comprising patent, designs, trademarks and copyright. Their role is to help manage an IP system that encourages innovation and creativity and is the foundation of the knowledge based economy. http://www.ipo.gov.uk/ Wandsworth Youth Enterprise Wandsworth Youth Enterprise Centre (WYEC) is a registered charity, supporting young people to start up a business. WYEC has been supporting young entrepreneurs for over 20 years, and is now considered one of the leaders in helping young people establish and develop their own business. 19 Jeremy O’Hare