Useful Links
Government
www.direct.gov.uk
Directgov - the official government website for citizens. Easy access to the public services you use and the information you need, delivered by the UK government
www.hmrc.gov.uk
A really excellent site. Advice for small businesses and those going self-employed. It's surprisingly helpful and full of useful information.
www.companies-house.gov.uk
This provides information for limited companies, including name searches and basic company information.
www.bis.gov.uk
The Department for Business Innovation and skills.
www.smallbusiness.co.uk
SmallBusiness.co.uk provides useful resources, products and services for small business owners and start-ups.
www.hse.gov.uk
Government health and safety advice.
www.statistics.gov.uk
This is the site of the National Statistics Office. It's updated regularly.
Business Information
www.startups.co.uk
This is aimed at SMEs. It has a clear and simple design and combines news with practical advice. There's plenty of practical advice in a no-nonsense style.
www.newbusiness.co.uk
A comprehensive website dedicated to new businesses.
www.j4b.co.uk
Offers a simple 4-step grant search service. It has comprehensive, up-to-date information on business grants currently available in only a few seconds. It contains regional information on around 5,000 capital grants.
www.businesslink.gov.uk
Practical advice for business (managed by the DTI).
www.britishchambers.org.uk
This is the site of the British Chamber of Commerce, the national voice of local business providing a range of services including international trade, training and cost-effective commercial services.
www.fsb.org.uk
The Federation of Small Business is the leading political lobby for British small business.
www.yell.co.uk
Home of the online version of the Yellow Pages. Search by keywords and browse by category. A hugely impressive site with massive investment.
www.ipo.gov.uk
The UK Patent Office has now become the Intellectual property office. IPO deals with Copyright, Patents, Trade Marks and other protections. It is the official government body responsible for granting Intellectual Property (IP) rights in the United Kingdom.