Useful links
Business support
Business Link in London
Business Link in London is a free, impartial business advisory service available to anyone starting or running a small or medium sized business.
Start ups
Information and advice for start-up and existing businesses, including raising finance, marketing and franchising.
is4profit
is4profit provides small business with free and relevant business advice (guides, plans, factsheets) and business services for startups and established businesses.
British Library Business & IP Centre
The British Library supports inventors, small businesses and entrepreneurs from that first spark of inspiration to successfully launching and developing a business.
Bytestart
Small business and start-up portal with advice for new and existing businesses, including setting up a company, employing staff and complying with legislation.
Business and Enterprise Support
Official government service, providing advice and information for new and small businesses.
West London Business
Forums for businesses to network, lobby government and secure funding for local projects.
Companies House
You must tell Companies House if you are starting a company or a limited liability partnership. It also stores information about companies, including their directors and company secretaries, annual returns and accounts. It also has information about companies which are insolvent or have gone into liquidation.
Customs and Excise
If your taxable turnover reaches £55,000 a year you must register with HM Customs and Excise for VAT.
Department of Business Innovation and Skills (BIS)
BIS is the voice for business across government. BIS helps ensure business success in an increasingly competitive world.
Inland Revenue
Register with the Inland Revenue if you are self-employed. Also for information on income tax and national insurance contributions.
Office of Fair Trading (OFT)
The OFT is an independent organisation that ensures business practices are fair and competitive and helps consumers understand their rights.
Valuation Office Agency
Business rates - find out what you need to pay and when.
Gateway Asia
If you are a small to medium sized business, within West London, South London and the greater Heathrow area, Gateway Asia can help you break into new markets, particularly to India and China, through free workshops and 1-to-1 consultations.
Advice for small businesses and self-employment.
2nd Floor, Regal House, London Road, Twickenham, Middlesex TW1 3QS
Tel:(020) 8891 3742
Open: Mon,Wed,Thurs and Fri 9am-2pm
Chambers of commerce
Chamber of Commerce for West London
A business network that offers information and events for local businesses.
Ealing Chamber of Commerce
A business network organisation providing information and support for businesses in Ealing.
Education and skills
Acton and West London College
College offering education and training for school leavers, adults, working professionals and international students at four college sites and in the local community.
Thames Valley University
University providing technical and vocational education.
Learn Direct
Organisation offering online courses in IT, business and management
Skills Funding Agency or Young People's Learning Agency
Responsible for planning and funding high quality education and training for everyone in England other than those in universities
Prince’s Trust
Charitable organisation providing information and support to young people.
Environment
Groundwork London
Practical support, training and advice to companies on a range of environmental business issues to help your businesses to become more environmentally friendly. Support is available for businesses of all sizes, and in all specialisms, to realise cost savings through improved environmental performance.
London Sustainability Exchange
Essential learning and practical support to help networks of individuals and organisations make London sustainable.
Equalities
Royal London Society for the Blind
Tel: (020) 7471 5575
Email: richard.greenwood@rlsb.org.uk
Health and Safety
Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
The HSE enforces health and safety regulations.
It has a dedicated website for publications with details of health and safety obligations.
Tel: 01787 881 165
Workplace Health Connect
This is also part of the HSE and gives free, practical advice on workplace health, safety and return to work issues, for smaller businesses.
Workplace Law Network
Information on employment law, health and safety and premises management.
Other government agencies
London Development Agency
The Mayor of London's agency for business and jobs.
Social Enterprise London
Regional agency tasked with the job of promoting Social Enterprise in London and increasing the scale of the social economy.
Job Centre Plus
Provides help and advice on jobs and training for people who can work and financial help for those who cannot.
Information Commisioner
Register if you plan to store information about people on a computer or use CCTV.
Regeneration partnerships
Action Acton
Community based action group encouraging links with Acton residents, public agencies and local groups.
Park Royal Partnership
Co-ordinates grants and assists with training, employment, recruitment, transport and environmental improvements in Park Royal.
Ealing Broadway BID Company
Organisation dedicated to co-ordinating and delivering improvements in Ealing Broadway.
Trading standards
Trading Standards Institute
The institute gives advice on animal health and welfare, consumers’ rights - including selling methods - fair trading - including pricing - food, safety, and weights and measures.