Business Supporting Organisations
Find out about the range of organisations which offer support and advice to businesses in the Welwyn Hatfield area.
There are a range of organisations who can offer you business support, click on the links below to visit their websites. You can also contact our Economic Development Officer for more information about the support available for businesses in the Welwyn Hatfield area.
Gov.uk
The Gov.uk government website offers a range of information on legislation, starting up a business, self-assessment and employing staff.
National Apprenticeships Service
https://www.gov.uk/topic/further-education-skills/apprenticeships
The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) offers support for anyone wanting to employ an apprentice.
Apprenticemakers
http://apprenticemakers.org.uk
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.
UK Trade & Investment
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-trade-investment
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.
Hertfordshire Libraries
https://beta.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/libraries-and-archives/libraries-and-archives.aspx
Hertfordshire Libraries offer an information service to support business start-up and small business growth including market research and company information. Resources available include FAME, MarketLine, COBRA, Mi Ventures and British Standards Online. All resources are free to use at Welwyn Garden City Central Library and Information Service. Contact the Enquiry Team on 0300 123 4049 or libraries.information@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Enterprise Europe Network
http://www.enterprise-europe.co.uk
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.
It is also a great way to access finance and public tenders while receiving information on intellectual property, research and development. Contact Enterprise Europe Network East of England to meet an adviser and discuss aspirations by calling 0845 641 9955 (option 2) or email enterprise.europe@eeneast.org.uk.
Hertfordshire Growth Hub
Looking to grow and develop your business?
SMEs based in Hertfordshire could benefit from fully funded support and guidance available through Hertfordshire Growth Hub.
Hertfordshire Growth Hub is the central point of contact for business support in the county, helping businesses at all stages gain access to the guidance they need to unlock their potential for growth.
Since its launch in 2014, the Growth Hub has supported over 2,000 Hertfordshire-based SMEs to accelerate their growth.
The Growth Hub can provide businesses with:
- Help to accelerate growth, including accessing grants, funding and investment, developing workforce skills and planning for future growth.
- Advice and guidance about how to manage growth and innovation effectively
- In-depth one-to-one advisory support provided by Growth Account Managers, for eligible businesses, to assist with a wide range of business needs including:
- Business operations and strategy
- Sales and marketing
- Developing a growth plan
- Research and development
- Technology and productivity
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.
Click here for further information and to contact Hertfordshire Growth Hub.
E-mail: enquiries@hertsgrowthhub.com
Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce
Established in 1924, the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce is a privately run membership organisation which can open doors for local businesses and organisations of all types and size, by helping them to grow their profile and connect with other businesses locally, nationally and globally, through a range of membership benefits and networking opportunities.
As the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Accredited Chamber for Hertfordshire, members can benefit from association with 52 other UK chambers and a network of 41 chambers globally. We have a dedicated BCC approved documentation team who can help with the issue and certification of documents to ensure your goods and services are exported in accordance with international law and procedures.
Our expertise in organisational development, training, marketing and sales combined with our business experience and established events programme will enable you to foster strategic partnerships, connect with members and provide you and your staff with the knowledge and confidence to grow and sustain your business.
Contact Amy Rich on 01707 398424/07794 249218 or email amyrich@hertschamber.com.
Welwyn Hatfield Chamber of Commerce
http://www.welhatchamber.co.uk
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
Hertfordshire Federation of Small Business
http://www.fsb.org.uk/regions/bedfordshire-cambridgeshire-hertfordshire
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.
Business Watch
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 2,000 businesses are already signed up. Click here to sign up today.
Intellectual Property Office
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/intellectual-property-office
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.
ACAS
http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1461
Acas provide information, advice, training, conciliation and other services for employers and employees to help prevent or resolve workplace problems.
You can download or order booklets, leaflets and handbooks covering a wide range of employment matters, from writing a contract of employment, to holiday entitlement, to the latest employment legislation, from their Publications section.
Business is Great Britain
http://www.greatbusiness.gov.uk
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.
British Library Business & Intellectual Property Centre
http://www.bl.uk/business-and-ip-centre
The Business & IP Centre provides support to business owners, entrepreneurs and inventors. At the Centre you can access a comprehensive collection of databases and publications for free, as well as attend practical workshops, one-to-one advice sessions and inspiring talks.
Wenta
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.
Companies House
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/companies-house
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.
HM Revenue & Customs: Self Employed & Online Learning
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/companies-house
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.
Prince’s Trust
https://www.princes-trust.org.uk
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.
Start Up Loans
https://www.startuploans.co.uk
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.
Smarta
Aimed at entrepreneurs in general: the website contains a free search engine for finding grants.