Regional support
There is a wide range of support on offer on a regional level, throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
England
englandsrdas.comEnglands nine Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) help to bring good ideas to life in England’s regions. Eight of the RDAs report to the Department of Trade and Industry and are divided into geographic regions which offer support and advice at a local level. The London Development Agency (LDA), reports to the Mayor of London and the London Assembly. Within the exception of the LDA. Find the RDA for your area
businesslink.gov.ukBusiness Link operates at a local level throughout England. Find your local Business Link
Scotland
hie.co.uk The Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) network is based in Inverness, and has nine Local Enterprise Companies (LECs). Whether you are looking for business finance, community or skills advice, LECs are the prime point of contact for businesses, communities and individuals looking for assistance and advice. Find the LEC for your area
bgateway.comBusiness Gateway is a partnership between Scottish Enterprise, the Scottish Executive and local authorities in Scotland. There a number of local Business Gateway offices across lowland Scotland. Find your local Business Gateway
bes.org.uk Business Enterprise Scotland is the lead body and national association for Scotland’s Enterprise Trusts.
scottish.parliament.uk Visit this site for more information on the business objectives of Scotland’s Parliament.
scottish-enterprise.com Scottish Enterprise is the main economic development agency for Scotland. They aim to secure the long-term future of the Scottish economy by making their industries more competitive and also help businesses that are starting up.
Wales
businesseye.org.uk Business Eye is a free, impartial information service for Wales created to find the answers to your business questions. Whether you are an established company, a new idea, a sole trader or an employer of hundreds, Business Eye can put you in contact with support from the public, private or voluntary sectors. Find your local Business Eye centre
new.wales.gov.uk The Welsh Assembly Government Department of Enterprise, Innovation and Networks has specialist advisers who can offer you support on everything from starting up and expanding your business to exporting your product and bringing your business to Wales.
venturewales.com Venture Wales is one of the main deliverers of the Welsh Assembly Government. They offer general support for business pre and post start programmes, which provide an effective support mechanism to all start up and growth ventures across Wales.
venturestart.co.uk Venture Start Partnership is a service provided by Venture Wales to provide specialist business support services for entrepreneurs and new businesses with high growth potential.
As well as help nationally, there is plenty of help available at a local level:
- South East Wales
- centreforbusiness.co.uk - Newport & Gwent Enterprise: Newport & Gwent
- businessinfocus.co.uk - Business in Focus: Cardiff
- Swansea Bay
- bpdarcy.com - BP D'Arcy Development Ltd: Llandarcy
- foothold.org.uk - Foothold Enterprise: Llanelli
- bcnpt.co.uk - Business Connect Neath Port Talbot: Neath Port Talbot
- Pembrokeshire
- pbi.org.uk - Pembrokeshire Business Initiative: Pembrokeshire
- anturteifi.org.uk - Antur Teifi: Carmarthenshire & Ceredigion
- Central Wales
- North West Wales
- mentermon.com - Menter Môn: Anglesey
- North East Wales
- denbighbiz.co.uk - Denbighshire Enterprise: Denbighshire
- conwyenterprise.co.uk - Conwy Enterprise: Conwy
Northern Ireland
investni.com Invest Northern Ireland promotes local business and economic development within Northern Ireland. This includes support for start-up and existing business in the region, and can helping you relocate your operation to Northern Ireland. They can offer helpful business advice, prospects, opportunities, research and development.
NIbusinessinfo.co.uk This is Northern Ireland’s online business advice service. It offers practical help and advice for new and existing businesses in the region.
Nibsp.com The Start a Business Programme is free and provides a package of advice, training and support to anyone interested in starting a business in Northern Ireland. Find out more about how the programme can help you.