There is a great deal of support available for new and existing small business owners in the UK, but you have to ask for it. Once you know where to look, you will be able to find out about what help is available to you – financial advice, practical help, guidance on how to grow your business and information regarding the rules and regulations on tax and licences.
Before you set up your business you should visit gov.uk to access government business support services. Business Link was replaced by gov.uk business support in 2012, where you can find information about starting a business, funding opportunities, and local support. You can also contact your local Growth Hub for face-to-face advice and support specific to your area.
The key areas that government business support provides information on are the practical issues faced by new businesses. Gov.uk and Growth Hubs specialise in small businesses, so you do not need to be concerned that they are more used to dealing with big players – their whole purpose is to help start up businesses and small organisations, so any questions or concerns you have will be relevant.
How to Register
First things first. Government business support services will help you to understand what and how you need to register to ensure your new company is above board – you can find assistance on whether you should set up as a limited company, or a sale trader, for example, with advice from people that know what will be most appropriate for your set up. They can suggest business banking providers, too.
Regulations and Licences
It is important that you are clear about what regulations affect you and what licences you need to be legally correct in your field. You will be able to explain the details of your business, such as when you are working from home do you have people visit for purposes of business, which can affect your insurance and health and safety requirements.
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Sales and Marketing
One of the particularly valuable services available through government business support is the sales and marketing advice – you may not find that their information is particularly helpful to you and your recruitment business, but what is useful is their knowledge about available funding. Your business advisor will be able to assist your new company with finding out about grants, schemes and international projects that you could benefit from. They also help with a certain proportion of costs for setting up a website and marketing materials – although be careful to compare the cost with paying for it yourself, as their chosen suppliers can sometimes work out more expensive, even if you’re just paying half!
Practical Advice
Above all, government funded business start up support is helpful as a place to go for advice. You may find that you feel a bit lost sometimes when you have launched your business and want someone impartial to talk to – your local Growth Hub or gov.uk business support can help you see things a little more clearly.
Ask Start a Recruitment Business a question
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