Supporting Organisations
Find out about the range of organisations that offer support and advice to businesses in the Welwyn Hatfield area.
National Support
The Gov.uk government website offers a range of information on legislation, starting up a business, self-assessment and employing staff.
UKTI works with UK based businesses to ensure their success in international markets through exports. They encourage and support overseas companies to look at the UK as the best place to set up or expand their business.
UKTI can help you find overseas contracts, tenders and projects. Register today for FREE or email Michael Macartney at m.macartney@uktieast.org.uk or telephone 07903 046586.
The Intellectual Property Office will advise your business on having the right type of intellectual property protection to help you stop people stealing or copying: –
- The names of your products or brands
- Your inventions
- The design or look of your products
- Things you write, make or produce
Copyright, patents, designs and trademarks are all types of intellectual property protection. You get some types of protection automatically, others you have to apply for.
Information on a range of digital services they offer to help you search or file company details and the statutory fees charged, including registering your new business.
Hertfordshire Federation of Small Business
The FSB is the UK’s largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and small business owners. Their mission is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions. As experts in business, they offer members a wide range of vital business services including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in government.
Find the sources of information and practical advice you need to make your new venture a success. Connect to expert advice and sources of information to help you build and grow your business. Use these tools and information resources to plan and drive rapid growth in enterprise.
HM Revenue & Customs: Self Employed & Online Learning
HMRC’s section for people who are self-employed or are considering becoming self-employed. They will tell you how to:
- Get to grips with the taxes for your business
- Let HMRC know you’re self employed
- Keep records and claim expenses
- Plan for your tax returns and payments
They will tell you what you need to know and do to get your tax right first time, every time.
Local Support
Hertfordshire Libraries offers an information service to support business start-up and small business growth, including market research and company information. FAME, MarketLine, Mintel, COBRA, Mi Ventures and British Standards Online are all free to use at Welwyn Garden City Central Library and Information Service. For more information visit Hertfordshire Libraries or contact the Enquiry Team on 0300 123 4049 or libraries.information@hertfordshire.gov.uk
The Growth Hub is delivered, on behalf of Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), by a consortium led by business support services provider, Exemplas, with the University of Hertfordshire and Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce. Hertfordshire LEP receives funding directly from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), augmented by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and other funding as bidding opportunities arise to deliver the service.
The Growth Hub guides businesses through a journey of support to help them progress. The services blends digital and physical support through a team of expert Growth Account Managers, and a soon to be launched digital business support platform. The platform will offer a range of tools and resources, which include an extensive Knowledge Bank, a wide-ranging directory of partners and suppliers on their Marketplace and a busy calendar of events across the county.
The Growth Hub removes the barriers to business growth and helps businesses plan for the future and achieve meaningful, sustainable success.
Contact the Growth Hub by calling 01707 398168 or email enquiries@hertsgrowthhub.com
Business Watch is used to inform Hertfordshire businesses on emerging business crime trends, such as new types of fraud, and the steps businesses can take to avoid becoming a victim of crime. Over 5,000 businesses are already signed up. Click here to sign up today.
Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce
The Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce prides itself to be the voice of business in Hertfordshire working with size business in the county. Accredited by the British Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber support the prosperity and long-term growth of businesses across Hertfordshire.
Contact Amy Rich on 01707 398424/07794 249218 or email amyrich@hertschamber.com.
Welwyn Hatfield Chamber of Commerce
Welwyn & Hatfield Chamber of Commerce is a Not for Profit organisation formed in 1929 to help local business. They believe in listening to local businesses, understanding their goals and helping them to achieve those goals. The Chamber can support your business by: –
• Organising networking events, these may be purely social or of an informative nature
• Providing free training guides, with the opportunity to obtain advice from centres of excellence that members have recommended
• Organising training
• Access to expertise by recommending temporary staff or interim directors
• Introduce members to sources of finance, be that lending or equity based
• Help with business plans, Crown Debt Management
Wenta provide a variety of tailored business advice and guidance to start-up new and existing businesses. So if you have an idea that you would like to develop into a business, dream of becoming self-employed or you are already up and running and looking for business support, they have a variety of options to help you.
For further information, click here http://www.wenta.co.uk/contact-us to contact them.
Workforce, Training & Skills
National Apprenticeships Service
The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) offers support for anyone wanting to employ an apprentice.
Connect, share, learn and inspire
Join Apprenticemakers – the national network for apprentice employers
Apprenticemakers brings together businesses of all sizes to share ideas and ask questions about apprenticeships. Register today to join the network and receive news, resources and inspiration to support your apprenticeship activities.
The Prince’s Trust work with 18 to 30-year-olds to turn big ideas into a business reality through their Enterprise programme. From training and mentoring support to funding and resources, they are with you every step of the way.
British Library Business & Intellectual Property Centre
The Business & IP Centre provides a comprehensive collection of databases and publications plus a programme of practical workshops, one-to-one advice sessions and inspiring talks. There are 13 National Network Business & IP Centres around the country.
ACAS provide information, advice, training, conciliation and other services for employers and employees to help prevent or resolve workplace problems. You can view guidance covering a wide range of employment matters, from contracts of employment, to holiday entitlement, to the latest employment legislation from their website.
International Growth
Described as the world’s biggest support network for SME’s, it has been designed to help businesses innovate, grow and succeed in the European marketplace through technology transfer or by finding new customers, suppliers or commercial partners. The network is a consortium comprising 600 support organisations across more than 60+ countries, covering the EU and all global markets. Jointly funded by the European Commission and Innovate UK, the services are tailored to meet individual business objectives and can include help to find new markets, source business partners and explore technology partnerships.
Finance Support
Do you have a great business idea or have you already started trading? Are you looking for finance and support to help develop your business? If you answered yes, then a government-backed Start Up Loan could help. Visit the website to find out more about the application process and how the scheme works and get on your way to becoming your own boss.
Transmit Growth offers support directly to companies who are looking for help in raising finance, specifically when loads from traditional banks are not an option.
Better Business for All is a partnership between business and regulators promoting business growth and compliance.
Healthy & Safety
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Great Britain’s regulator for workplace and health and safety. Its aim is to prevent workplace death, injury and ill health, and it uses a range of methods to do this, including working with Local Authorities.
HSE has free guidance to help you manage health and safety, starting with Health and Safety Made Simple: the basics for your business for lower risk businesses. Whatever the size of your business, good practice in health and safety makes sound business sense. You can subscribe to bulletins for regular updates on a range of topics, and follow HSE on social media.