Best place for SE business advice

KizzyK_2

Im going to the CAB on Monday and ive had a look at Learn Direct, Ibiz and Business Link but I was wondering if anyone knew of any other places that can offer Self Employment advice.
Thanks

Silver_3

I once went to a business start up networking event with SEEDA http://www.seeda.co.uk/ when I was living in the SE who were quite helpful. Bear in mind they are favouring science and technology ideas though.

I have no idea what the SE business link is like but mine in Macclesfield, Cheshire is good. I have a regular business advisor and they run free start-up courses which cover the legal and financial obligations of being self-employed.

You may wish to try the NFEA too for specific technical questions on IT or complex legal matters that a general business advisor is unlikely to know. I have three mentors through the NFEA who spare me a few minutes each week to answer quick (and reasonable) queries as I encounter problems. The NFEA is a branded service of Business Link but managed by the NFEA. The business mentor website is http://www.bvm.org.uk/ I would advise you to phone the regional head office to get the administrator to introduce you first as I've found cold-calling volunteer mentors has had a mixed response.

Also, if you are young enough like me you could also approach the Prince's Trust who put you in touch with a development manager and run book-keeping courses etc.

Good luck.

Silver

Savvy_Sue

Have you been in touch with HMRC? They are usually very helpful, and you do have to register with them within 3 months of starting self-employment! I know they run seminars for new employers, don't know if they have anything similar for the self-employed.

Pegs_2

There is a national network of enterprise agencies, "offering a range of business support services and information to both new and established companies, as well to individuals or groups of people thinking of starting completely new business ventures in the area."

Here is my local one which I found by going on my district council's website.
http://www.enterprisesouthdevon.co.uk/
They do courses - some free.
It may be worth looking for your local one.

Also there is help for women starting their own businesses. One such org is the Women's Business Development Agency.
http://www.wbda.co.uk/default.asp

Good luck KizzyK.