Start Your Own Business

 

 

BEDFORD BUSINESS GUIDE
Set up and run a successful small business in Bedford.
     
 
 

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BUSINESS TIP OF THE DAY

Choose your networking carefully

All too often I meet people who felt pressured to join a networking group and did so on their first visit. A good tip is to visit several and decide on one or two that you feel can meet your needs.
Never give in to pressure on the day, you need to carefully consider what the organisation offers. Does it offer training, mentoring and support. What do you have to commit to?
Speak to other members and find out about their experiences. See what people are saying about the group online. How are they going to help you promote your business?
Viva Business Networking.
(10-09-10)

 

Create a flawless reputation

It is important to create a flawless reputation so make sure client facing staff members are appropriately experienced to speak with confidence and to email accurately. Answering the telephone in a timely fashion and quickly transferring the caller to the correct person is critical to reputation so businesses should have an efficient telecoms system, suited to their business needs. Speak to Natterbox for more details.
Natterbox.
(10-09-10)

 

Your Branding & Identity

A vital part of your business is your branding and identity. First impressions are everything. An effective brand tells your customers and the world who you are and what you do. If you don't create a good first impression, potential customers may pass you by and never return again.
Anil Amrit Graphic & Web Design.
(09-09-10)

 

Free Up Some Space with Free Storage

Why not free up your office/working space by taking advantage of free storage. We offer free storage for a month with no further obligation. If you do stay you will find our prices competitive and our service excellent
Supastorage Ltd .
(08-09-10)

 

Believe in Yourself.

If you don't believe in yourself no-one else will, or your products or services.
WomansWork.
(08-09-10)

 

Would you like to supply a tip of the day? If so, we would be extremely grateful for your help and will be happy to include a live link to your website with every tip used.
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SYOB Home Bedford › Bedford Business

 

BEDFORD BUSINESS

 

 

If you run a small business in Bedford or if you are thinking of starting up a new business in Bedford we hope that you will find this site both interesting and useful.

 

It has been designed to help you find local firms and business support organisations who will be happy to give you friendly advice as well as provide the services that you may need.

 

Local Firms

Although there are plenty of online business directories, it can sometimes be quite difficult to find LOCAL companies who are genuinely keen to support you. For example if you are based in Bedford, it makes sense to use an accountant, web designer or printer based in Bedford who is prepared to help small businesses or new business start ups.

 

Bedford Business Advice & Support | Bedford Accountants | Banking & Finance | Commercial Property | Bedford Design | Bedford Networking Clubs | Bedford Printers | Sales & Marketing | Bedford Web Design | Website Optimisation | Local Directory.

 

Small Business Information

You will find LOCAL information and useful contacts in these Bedford pages, but we have also created an extensive library of small business information to help give you the best chance of success. The answers to 100's of the most frequently asked start up questions can also be found, including:

 

Q. Starting A New Business - What are the key considerations before I start?

Q. Starting A New Business - Should I buy an existing business?

Q. Running A Small Business - Why is it important to have a business plan?

Q. Running A Small Business - What is marketing?

Q. Small Business Funding - How can I raise start up capital?

 

 

See the Start Your Own Business home page for a full list of subjects covered.

 

USEFUL BUSINESS WEBSITES

 

  Bedford Borough Council Business Support and Advice. Bedford Borough Council is committed to creating the right environment for business to grow and prosper. Working in partnership with key business support organisations we can provide valuable advice, information and guidance to help your business succeed. Bedford Borough Council, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford MK42 9AP
| http://www.bedford.gov.uk | 01234 267422
  Bedfordshire & Luton Education Business Partnership. Education Business Partnership (EBP) provides a quality innovation and brokerage service to employers, schools, colleges, communities and volunteers who need help, support, advice and guidance.
| http://www.blebp.co.uk | 01525 408 080
  Bedfordshire Green Business Network. The GBN membership represents business, industrial and commercial organisations of all types and sizes in Bedfordshire and surrounding counties. Works with its members to improve their business and environmental performance by adopting best practice.
| http://www.gbn-bedfordshire.org.uk | 01234 241411
  Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BRCC) is the leading community development agency working across Bedfordshire, with a proven track record over more than 50 years.
| http://www.bedsrcc.org.uk | 01234 838 771
  Bedfordshire Trading Standards Service. Trading Standards & Registration Services, Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Sherfford, Beds SG17 5TQ
| http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk | 0300 300 8064
  Business Link Business Link is a free business advice and support service, available online and through local advisers. Businesslink.gov.uk helps your business save time and money by giving you instant access to clear, simple, and trustworthy information. It is developed in partnership with subject experts within government and relevant business-support organisations to help you comply with regulations and improve your performance. Whether you're starting up, already running a business, or looking to grow and develop, Business Link can help you.
| http://www.businesslink.gov.uk | 0845 600 9 006
  Business Link East. Last year over 108,000 businesses used Business Link’s expert services. Many said that the free, independent and impartial help they received had a significant and positive impact on their business. From free one-to-one business advice, free skills workshops, start-up support and in-depth business reviews, the people at Business Link can help prepare you and your business for future growth.

| http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/east | 08457 17 16 15
  Chamber of Commerce for Bedfordshire and Luton. The Chamber is the accredited Chamber of Commerce for Bedfordshire and Luton providing support and opportunities to the business community. We represent the interests and promote the competitiveness and growth of businesses by offering a range of services and benefits to our members. Membership to the Chamber opens up a wealth of free essential business information, advice and support.
| http://www.chamber-business.com | 01582 522 448
  East of England Development Agency . EEDA supports over 100,000 businesses each year by providing high-quality support, information, advice and funding.
| http://www.eeda.org.uk | 01223 713900
  Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) - Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire. The Federation of Small Businesses is the UK's largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms. Formed in 1974, it now has over 200,000 members across 33 regions. In addition, Member Services is committed to delivering a wide range of high quality, good value business services to members of the FSB. Regional organiser: PO Box 7426, Milton Keynes, MK19 6WN
| http://www.fsb.org.uk | 01908 560 376
  Learning and Skills Council - Bedfordshire and Luton. The Learning and Skills Council exists to make England better skilled and more competitive. We have a single goal: to improve the skills of England’s young people and adults to ensure we have a workforce of world-class standard.
| http://www.lsc.gov.uk | 0845 019 4160

If you offer a product or service that can help new business start ups or existing small businesses in Bedford, we would love to hear from you. (Free listing)

 

 

 

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Business advice & information for small business & new business start ups.