Links to useful website for the business startup in the Black Country
The following organisations can provide complementary advice and services to those of Black Country Enterprise Ltd.
Business Startup & Finance
British Franchise Association
Most franchisors operating in the UK are members and information on them can be obtained from the BFA http://www.british-franchise.org.uk
British Business Angels Association
The new national trade association for the UK's Business Angel Networks. It's backed by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform. http://www.bbaa.org.uk/
Business Link West Midlands
Business Link offers advice and help on all aspects of running a business. http://www.businesslinkwm.co.uk
British Venture Capital Association
The BVCA represents most major sources of venture capital in the UK. http://www.bvca.co.uk/home
Trading Opportunities
supply2.gov.uk
Supply2.gov.uk is the only official Government lower-value (typically below £100,000) contract opportunity portal, created by the Government to provide small businesses with access to lower-value public sector contracts - a huge potential market which can provide small businesses with the stability they need to thrive and grow. http://www.supply2.gov.uk
Find it in Sandwell
Find it in Sandwell is a portal founded by Sandwell Council that assists businesses to trade with each other in the Sandwell region.
http://www.finditinsandwell.co.uk
Young Entrepreneurs
Prince's Trust
Helps young people aged 18-30 who are unemployed, under-employed or of limited means to start a business by offering loans and mentoring http://www.princes-trust.org.uk
Shell LiveWire
Offers business advice to young entrepreneurs aged 16-30 and also runs an annual business competition http://www.shell-livewire.org
Local Business Groups, Networking & Chambers of Commerce
Black Country Chamber
http://www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk
Women in Business
The Women's Business Clubs
For business women looking to boost their personal or business reputation, gain knowledge and skills, find help in solving business dilemmas, or just get out of the office for a few hours of friendly business related chat, the Women's Business Clubs can provide a crucial lifeline of support as well as create great business opportunities. http://www.thewomensbusinessclubs.com
Prowess
Contact point for a network of business advice organisations offering tailored services to the needs of women http://www.prowess.org.uk
Government & Official Bodies
Companies House
The official UK government register of UK companies http://www.companies-house.gov.uk/
Data Protection Register
The Information Commissioner's Office: provides information on your responsibilities under the 1998 Data Protection Act http://www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk/
Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform (BERR)
For up to date information on industry sectors & government policy for industry. http://www.berr.gov.uk/
Direct Access Government
Portal to public service information from the UK government http://www.direct.gov.uk/
Health and Safety (HSE)
This site provides information on all aspects of health & safety including current legislation, standards and rules. http://www.hse.gov.uk
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
All you need to know, whether self-employed or an employer, about tax and National Insurance. Also advice on VAT. http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/
Office of Fair Trading
Details UK competition policy and protects economic welfare of consumers. A visit is a must to ensure your business remains within the rules. http://www.oft.gov.uk
Patent Office
Provides information on all aspects of intellectual property including patents, trade marks, copyright and design. http://www.patent.gov.uk
Advantage West Midlands
Regional Development Agency for the West Midlands
http://www.advantagewm.co.uk/
UK Trade and Investment
The Government organisation that supports both companies in the UK trading abroad and overseas enterprises seeking to locate and trade in the UK. http://www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk
Research & Economic Data
Nomis - Official Labour Market Statistics
https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/
Black Country Data Observatory
http://www.blackcountryobservatory.co.uk/
Black Country Investment
For lists of available property:
http://www.bci-uk.com
Councils - for information on planning permission and change of use, licencing and trading standards
Walsall Council - http://www.walsall.gov.uk
Wolverhampton Council - http://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk
Sandwell Council - http://www.sandwell.gov.uk
Dudley Council - http://www.supply2.gov.uk
If you have suggestions for other organisations it would be useful to list on this page please contact us.