Sources of Help for Businesses
ACAS aims to improve organisations and working life through better employment relations. It provides up to date information, independent advice, high quality training and works with employers and employees to solve problems and improve performance. Helpline: 08457 47 47 47
Website:
www.acas.org.uk
ADAS is the UK’s largest provider of rural and environmental solutions and policy advice. Customer Services: 0845 766 0085
e-mail:
enquiries@adas.co.uk e-mail:
info@britishchambers.org.uk Website:
www.adas.co.uk
British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is the national voice of local business and sits at the heart of a nationwide network of accredited Chambers across the UK. The BCC strives to help businesses be more competitive by influencing policy and legislation in the UK and Europe. Enquiries: 020 7654 5800
Website:
www.britishchambers.org.uk
British Franchise Association (BFA) provides guidance material for both potential franchisors and franchisees. Its members are accredited on the basis of a strict standards structure and as such, membership represents a benchmark of quality. Further information available from: Enquiries: 01235 820470
e-mail:
mailroom@thebfa.org e-mail:
info@bgateway.com Website:
www.thebfa.org
Business Gateway (Scotland) offers free access to a wide range of support services for new and growing businesses. Services include business information and research, online tools, free workshops and support networks. The services are delivered by local authorities, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands & Islands Enterprise and Scottish Government with the support of associated partner organisations. Helpline: 0845 609 6611
Website:
www.bgateway.com
Business Link supported by Government, provides information and impartial support to new and existing businesses. Business Link’s services are available locally in England by calling 0845 600 9006. The website
www.businesslink.gov.uk helps businesses start up, improve and grow by providing free access to relevant information, guidance, funding and training from Government and the business sector. Contact Centre: 0845 6009 006
Website:
www.businesslink.gov.uk
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is Britain’s leading non-profit business organisation representing over 200,000 members who employ 2.5 million people. It operates a 24 hour helpline and a unique legal and professional insurance scheme to protect businesses against, for example, HM Revenue & Customs’ investigations or data protection regulations. Membership fees start at £130 p.a. and are dependent on the number of employees. Enquiries: 01253 336000
e-mail:
ho@fsb.org.uk Website:
www.fsb.org.uk
Forum of Private Business is a proactive, business support organisation focussed on the growth and profitability of small businesses. It offers a comprehensive package of membership services to help businesses make and save money. It also gives its members a voice with policy-makers through its PR and lobbying activities. Whatever the challenge facing businesses, the Forum can help. Non-member enquiries: 0845 612 6266
Member enquiries 0845 130 1722 e-mail:
info@hient.co.uk e-mail:
info@fpb.org Website:
www.fpb.org
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is the Scottish Government’s economic and community development agency for the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. HIE focuses on supporting businesses and social enterprises which have the potential to achieve high growth. HIE can be contacted though area offices located across its region, or by its website. Enquiries: 01463 234171
Website:
www.hie.co.uk
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is responsible for the administration and collection of taxes including income tax, National Insurance contributions, VAT, excise and customs duties. Information, help and advice about our services is available at the HMRC website. Self-Assessment Helpline: 0845 900 0444
National Advice Service 0845 010 9000 Established Employers Helpline 0845 714 3143 Website:
www.hmrc.gov.uk
Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the UK’s independent public body set up to uphold information rights in the public interest, promoting openness by public bodies and data privacy for individuals. The ICO enforces and oversees the Data Protection Act, the Freedom of Information Act, the Environmental Information Regulations, and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations. Helpline: 0303 123 1113 (9am-5pm)
Website:
www.ico.gov.uk
Intellectual Property Office is an executive agency of the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS). The Office is responsible for advising and administering intellectual property rights (Patents, Trade Marks, Designs and Copyright) in the United Kingdom. For further information contact: Information centre: 0300 300 2000
e-mail:
information@ipo.gov.uk e-mail:
info@investni.com finance, Website:
www.ipo.gov.uk
Invest Northern Ireland supports both start-ups and existing businesses to develop and grow, with a focus on export markets. Enquiries: 028 9023 9090
leasing and asset e-mail:
enquiries@nacfb.org.uk Website:
www.investni.com
National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) is a non-profit making association of professional brokers who arrange finance for all types of businesses. This includes commercial mortgages and business loans, Enquiries: 01392 440 040
factoring and motor vehicle finance. Members offer clients choice and protection under a strict code of practice. Website:
www.nacfb.org.uk
Skills Funding Agency is an agency of the Department of Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS), with responsibility for funding and regulating adult FE and skills training in England. It invests public spending - £4 billion per year - in colleges and training organisations to fund training for adults in England. The training is mainly to improve skills so that people can do their jobs better, obtain new jobs, or progress in their careers. Contact: 0845 377 5000
e-mail:
info@skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk e-mail:
enquiries@nationalenterprisenetwork.org Website:
http://skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk/
National Enterprise Network is a membership body for those committed to the support and development of enterprise, with members drawn from enterprise support organisations that provide independent and impartial advice, training and mentoring to new and emerging businesses. Enquiries: 01234 831623
Website:
www.nationalenterprisenetwork.org
The Pensions Advisory Service (TPAS) gives help to people who have problems with their pensions. TPAS has volunteer advisers throughout the UK. All the advisers are experienced in pension matters. TPAS also gives information and guidance on occupational, private and state pensions. Contact the local TPAS volunteer through the TPAS office. Pensions Helpline/Office: 0845 601 2923
e-mail:
enquiries@pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk Website:
www.pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk
The Pensions Regulator is the UK regulator of work-based pension schemes. The Pensions Regulator has as its objectives to protect the benefits of members of work-based pension schemes, to reduce the risk of situations arising that may lead to claims on the Pension Protection Fund, to promote good scheme administration and maximise employer compliance with the Pensions Act 2008 Enquiries: 0870 606 3636
e-mail:
customersupport@thepensionsregulator.gov.uk Websites:
www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk and
www.trusteetoolkit.com
‘Working for yourself - The Guide’ is a guide produced by HM Revenue & Customs for the newly self-employed, covering most aspects of starting up a business including tax, National Insurance and tax credits. Available from: Newly Self-employed Helpline: 0845 915 4515
Website:
www.hmrc.gov.uk/startingup at 10:00 Friday 17 February 2012 Product News BUY-TO-LET
Cheltenham & Gloucester - END DATES on VARIABLE TRACKER and FIXED RATES extended to 31 May. Cumberland BS - VARIABLE TRACKER RATES withdrawn. NEW DISCOUNTED VARIABLE RATES of 3.79% and 3.99% for 3 years. Lloyds TSB Scotland - END DATES on VARIABLE TRACKER and FIXED RATES extended to 31 May. Northern Rock - selected VARIABLE TRACKER RATES increased by up to 0.16 & and FIXED
March 2012 M
RATES of 4.20% to 1.5.14 with fees of 2% and 2.5% of advance, increased by 0.09%. Nottingham BS - VARIABLE TRACKER RATES of 3.29% and 3.89% for 2 years and all FIXED RATES except 4.19% to 1.2.14, no longer avaialble via intermediaries. NEW FIXED RATE available via selected intermediaries of 4.39% to 1.5.14, max 75%, fee £1,999, with incentives of free valuation and for remortgages free legal fees.
READERS ARE REMINDED THAT BUSINESS MONEYFACTS IS COPYRIGHT 121
BUSINESS INFORMATION
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