You are here:
Bigger, Better Business
Bigger, Better Business – Helping small firms start, grow and prosper
Small businesses are vital to the UK economy. The government is committed to creating the right long term environment to help many more people start and grow their enterprise, so they developed a programme to simplify how start ups and existing small and medium sized businesses access the information and business advice they need.
What will be provided in the new system:
- Online business information and tools tailored to each business’ needs –
Overhaul of existing Business Link website to offer a Business Start Up Hub, online incorporation, simpler enrolment for tax, and a new tax “dashboard”. A Contracts Finder section to notify of public procurement opportunities, clearer information on government regulation and new training services and online tools available on portable devices. - A national contact centre to help businesses who cannot find the information they need on the web or who are not connected to the internet – For those who are not yet online, a contact centre will be manned by trained staff to enable advice synchronised with the website and referrals to other support. This will not replace expert services currently provided by ACAS or HMRC Tax Advice lines but will provide an initial point of contact. In addition, for businesses in crisis facing possible closure experienced business advisors will provide immediate help to stabilising the business and helping recovery where possible.
- Help for start-ups, including the New Enterprise Allowance
The New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) will create up to 40,000 new businesses by 2013 and will provide unemployed people with access to the advice and support to start their businesses. Available to people who have been claiming Job Seekers Allowance for more than 6 months. Access to a mentor will be available who provides guidance and support through to the early stages of trading. The NEA will offer a weekly allowance and support to access small loans (up to £1000) to help with start up costs. Once the person has demonstrated a viable business idea and is ready to register as self employed a package of support around £2000 per business will be available. - A network of at least 40,000 experienced business mentors offering practical
advice
A New National Mentoring Gateway to help businesses secure the right mentor. Many businesses start from the home, often there are barriers to some social housing tenures to run home-based business so the removal of red tape is underway. A network bringing together 40,000 mentors to provide practical advice and contacts for the businesses, based on hands on experience. - Business Coaching for Growth, backing high growth SMEs to enable them to realise their potential – targeting a highly select group of businesses with the potential to achieve rapid and significant growth equipping them with skills to develop strategies for growth. It will provide specialist advice, coaching and mentoring to develop growth business plans, protect intellectual property, exploit innovative ideas, unlock new markets and access external investment. MAS (Manufacturing Advisory Service) will continue to provide a locally focused service.
- Tailored action to raise low entrepreneurial activity among key parts of our communities, including women, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups and Service leavers – Consideration for tailored help for service personnel, women and BAME groups is underway. E.g working with Royal British Legion to provide loans, grants and advice to UK service leavers.
Useful links
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
Bigger, Better Business – Helping small firms to start, propser and grow [document]