Did You Know You Can Access Free Business Advice?

Surprisingly, lots of small & medium enterprises (known as SMEs) don't realise how much free business advice & subsidised services are available to help them succeed. Part of this is down to the current difficult economic climate, which means the government is investing heavily in entrepreneurship & the lifeblood of British industry; small & medium businesses.

In case you are a start-up, sole trader, agency, partnership or medium sized limited firm looking to grow, then accessing free business advice could be of the best things you ever do. First, do a search for national advice sources & look at providers such as Business Link & government sites such as UK Trade & Investment for lots of advice & guidance. You'll find that there is a wealth of knowledge online, as well as in print.

Do a search for local service providers in your area, those visibly funded by public or corporate funding sources than acting as commercial organisations. Look for quality marks, partner brands & accreditations to know that you are engaging with a reliable & high quality source of lovely advice . In case you contact these providers & register your interest, they will tell you about the advice services they offer & other products & services they can signpost you to. For example, there may be funded coaching or mentoring available, which is a great way to learn from more experienced industry professionals who are passionate about helping new businesses to grow. There may even be funded or subsidised training programmes to help you & your staff create skills in targeted businesses areas where you have development needs. There may be sources of grant knowledge & funding advice if investment is an area you need to know more on. Also look out for funded programmes sponsored by large corporations, as there's a considerable number of these dedicated to specific business groups & purposes, such as SMEs & start-ups looking for business training over a short intensive period & there can often be commercial opportunities that arise from meeting a brand spanking new group of businesses with a common purpose.

Keep in mind that contacts & conversations are often the best ways to get advice from people you trust. Be open about needing a steer in a specific area & chances are, somebody will know somebody who can help. You may be able to offer them specialist knowledge or advice from your own sector in return, for your mutual benefit. Don't be shy about admitting ignorance in a sure area as most business people are delighted to share their knowledge & experience to help the wider community & build stronger business networks in their area. Set the bar by openly & honestly offering specialist advice as much as you ask for it.

There are & a range of online forums & networking groups where you can ask questions & swap ideas in a private network of like minded businesses. Look at groups on Linked In & attend business focused networking events to find useful sources of contacts. You may find other businesses to link up with to knowledge swap & build new ideas with.