Introducing Business Link

Whether you're seeking to set up on your own, or looking for information which will help YOUR company grow (and so guarantee you have a job, a salary and prospects), business link can help you. But how much do you know about Business Link? And how much does your boss know?

The Department of Trade and Industry manage Business Link, a network of local operators through England, with affiliates in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Business Link network aims to help (small and medium sized) companies access the help and support they need. Thus, according to the Small Business Service, in 2003, Business Link helped

According to the Small Business Service, in 2003, Business Link helped

• over 430,000 businesses and
• 170,000 individuals thinking of starting a business.

So how can Business Link help your organisation? What can it do for you personally? Why are we raising your awareness of the services and information this network has to offer?

You've told us that you're increasingly managing an even-widening range of responsibilities, and the Business Link network offers invaluable access to information to help you.

On the government's one-stop Business Link web site, at www.businesslink.gov.uk you'll find a range of articles covering topics such as Find out how the National Minimum Wage rates are due to change in October and help on what to do when businesses will have to follow minimum disciplinary procedures, or how to understand the tax requirements on company vehicles.

Information
Each Business Link has its own name and web site. These contain a huge amount of business information and advice, with helpful, practical and easily read articles on areas such as:

• Starting a business, e.g. buying a franchise, getting grants, writing a business plan or forming a business
• Growing a business
• Managing a business
• Exiting a business

And, for those already set up in business, info on topics such as:

• International trade
• Sales and Marketing
• IT and e-commerce
• Compliance
• People and employment

There's also more on funding, including EU grants and local initiatives and how to access them, business advice on law, tax, accountancy issues, and more. These will vary from one organisation to another, but essentially Business Link organisations provide the perfect one-stop-shop for those of you who are thinking of setting up on your own, or whose bosses want help and advice.

There may be other information on your local area, even to the point of traffic (helpful if the boss is off to a meeting) and travel updates, or what's on sections, with news and views in your area.

Services
From advisers who will come out to your business for a meeting, to on-line help and free-phone numbers, Business Link is there to help your business. The services on offer vary from one region to another, but may include help with health and safety, communications, energy, human resources, legal matters, tax issues, accounting and marketing; you name it, they will probably be able to help you! Services may only be available to members only, so check with each site.

Networking
Most Business Link organisations have regular newsletters to keep you well up to date with what's going on in your area. Crucially, these include networking and training events, useful for your boss to attend, or you on his behalf. But why not see if your boss will let you attend a Business Link networking lunch on behalf of your company? You may find yourself practicing your presentation skills, if you're asked to give a two minute talk on what your company does. It provides you with a great opportunity to network and raise your own profile. Sometimes such events have speakers to talk on a particular subject.

Events
There's info on events in your area, which your boss - or you, representing the company - could attend to raise the profile of your organisation in the area.

Business Link web sites have details on local:

• Networks; for example some are sector specific, with speakers talking on subjects absolutely relevant to the sector.
• Seminars and workshops, which are theme related
• Training events on a range of subjects, such as 'How to turn around an angry customer into a loyal one' or 'Be the Best MD you can Be'
• Road shows and exhibitions
• Functions

Magazines and Newsletters
Your Business Link may produce regular magazine and newsletters for members, with which you or your boss can check for vital news and initiatives which could give your company that fighting competitive edge in the market. They will show clearly what the Business Link is doing to help business in the area, and cover the main issues and stories in the region.

So check out what your local business link has to offer. You never know how it might be able to help your company grow, or yourself set up a business!

Further information and affiliates: