Business Contacts

Where can I find more information and business advice?

The following websites can help with information about starting a business - it is by no means a complete list - there is a wealth of support and advice available,

Business Link - business information, support and advice. www.businesslinksoutheast.co.uk  or call 0845 600 9 006

Shell LiveWIRE - Free start up business advice, case studies, and online resources for small businesses. www.shell-livewire.org

The Institute of Business Advisers Free Business Start Up Guide - includes Guide to using eBay as a Business.  http://pages.ebay.co.uk/businesscentre/BC_Guide.pdf  

Information for Business from KCC County Libraries - access to COBRA a one-stop-shop online database ideal for small businesses and students. COBRA has thousands of pages on running different types of business.     www.kent.gov.uk/businessinfo

H M Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is responsible for collecting the bulk of tax revenue, as well as paying Tax Credits and Child Benefits.  www.hmrc.gov.uk/rates/it.htm

Kent District & Borough Councils  www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/Localcouncils/DG_4003647

Solicitors

• The Law Society of England and Wales site www.lawsociety.org.uk/choosingandusing/helpyourbusiness.law

Accountants

• Institute of Chartered Accountants..  www.icaew.com/index.cfm?route=144307
• Association of Chartered & Certified Accountants.   www.accaglobal.com/publicinterest/finding/

Kent Local Business Directory - a database of local businesses.   www.directorykent.net

The Prince's Trust  -  If you are aged 18 to 30 years, work less than 16 hours per week or are unemployed, unable to get money from other sources and have a good business idea then try the Prince's Trust where it is possible to obtain training, ongoing business support and advice from a volunteer business mentor.   www.princes-trust.org.uk

Banks have dedicated small or new business sections - log on to their websites for more information

Kent Association of Young Entrepreneurs (KAYE) provides networking, information and support for young entrepreneurs. Whether you are a young professional looking to climb the corporate ladder or thinking of setting up your own business, the Institute of Directors' Kent Association of Young Entrepreneurs is designed to help you.   www.kaye.uk.com

Other Useful Sites

• Start Your Own Business - free local guides.    www.syob.co.uk/kent.htm
• SmallBusiness provides On-Line useful resources, products and services for small business owners and start-ups. www.smallbusiness.co.uk/qanda
• Microsoft's web site for small businesses. www.microsoft.com/uk/smallbusiness/default.mspx
•  www.startups.co.uk

Associated Websites

Young Enterprise - Learning by Doing

National education charity founded in 1963 to forge links between schools and industry. Its mission is to inspire and equip young people to learn about enterprise.
www.young-enterprise.org.uk

Kent Graduate Programme.   www.kent.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/jobs/work-placements/gap-year.htm