BIRMINGHAM BUSINESS GUIDE
Start up and run a successful small business in Birmingham.

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BUSINESS TIP OF THE DAY

Website names

Your website domain name (web address) does not have to be the same as your business name, but it should contain one of your major keywords, e.g. networking.
Authentic Networking.
(03-09-10)

Understand your costs

There's no point being in business unless you can make money from what you do, so understand all your costs and don't shy away from being honest about the value of your time. When you nail the costs of operating your business, you will gain a greater knowledge of the margins possible.

You don't have to re-invent the wheel, you just need to find the best way of buying and selling one to make a profit!
Ashbourne Colour Print.
(02-09-10)

How to find what IP your business owns

Every business will own some form of intellectual property. It could be the artistic design, shape, technology or brand of your product or process, but do you know how to protect and exploit these intellectual assets?

To find out more why not take a free IP HealthCheck at the following web page.

http://www.ipo.gov.uk/whyuse/business/iphealthcheck.htm

The Intellectual Property Office.
(02-09-10)

Don't rush in to committing to office space.

Office space is expensive and usually requires a long term commitment. If you have the resource, working from home keeps your overheads down and if you need a business address it's worth consideing a Virtual office which will project the right company image without the huge overheads.
voxclever.
(01-09-10)

Banks and Plan

Get a good financial plan / cashflow together and negotiate with your bank to get cheaper bank charges and an overdraft just in case you need it during the first difficult few months
Vince Lavin.
(01-09-10)

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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BIRMINGHAM BUSINESS

If you run a small business in Birmingham or if you are thinking of starting up a new business in Birmingham 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 Birmingham, it makes sense to use an accountant, web designer or printer based in Birmingham who is prepared to help small businesses or new business start ups.

Small Business Information

You will find LOCAL information and useful contacts in these Birmingham 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 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 BIRMINGHAM BUSINESS WEBSITES

Business in Birmingham, Local Links and News

Aston Business School. Aston Business School is renowned for the quality of its teaching, research and its supportive environment. The school provides students with an inspirational educational experience offering them rapid career progression in international business. Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, B4 7ET
http://www1.aston.ac.uk | 0121 204 3000

Birmingham Business School. The Birmingham MBA. Interested in finding out more about our world class MBA programmes? The Birmingham MBA is taught in a variety of flexible formats to meet the needs of busy professionals. Birmingham Business School, University House
Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2TY
http://www.business.bham.ac.uk | 0121 414 6225

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry is steeped in history having been established for over 200 years but, like the business environment over the decades, it has changed and adapted accordingly. With nearly 3000 members representing over 170,000 employees in member businesses, Birmingham Chamber has much to offer small to medium enterprises or larger companies.
http://www.birmingham-chamber.com | 0121 607 1874

Birmingham City Council Trading Standards Dept. Advice to Business. Traders can contact for help and advice by e-mail, telephone or by using an online form and will be directed to the most appropriate officer for their particular enquiry. A comprehensive selection of leaflets relating to all aspects of trading standards laws that affect businesses is available.
http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/ | 0121 303 9161

Birmingham City Council. Business Insight. The UKs most comprehensive public business information service for starting, growing and developing your business, learning new skills and safeguarding your intellectual property. We provide open access to physical and electronic business information resources for all our customers. Business Insight has more than 40 services to help you with your business information needs including a Company Formation service.
http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/businessinsight | 0121 303 1111

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 Supporter (Birmingham City Council). Business Supporter is a free portal site that brings you all the best small business web sites and online services provided for you by Business Insight. The aim of Business supporter is to provide a gateway to useful services and information that will help you solve your problems, develop new skills and business interests.
http://www.businesssupporter.co.uk | See website for details.

Connexions - Birmingham. Connexions Birmingham is a service for all young people aged 13-19. This is extended up to the age of 25 for those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The Connexions service is delivered by Personal Advisers who are available in Connexions Centres, Schools and Colleges throughout Birmingham.
http://www.connexions-bs.co.uk | 0121 675 6105

Learning and Skills Council - Birmingham and Solihull. 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 4143

Locate Birmingham. Birmingham's inward investment service. If you are looking to relocate your business to the city, or you are already based here and have expansion plans. Our single point of contact gives you direct access to an extensive network of skills, knowledge and assistance - one call to Locate in Birmingham will secure a streamlined, co-ordinated response to your enquiry. Our services are driven entirely by client’s requirements and are independent and free of charge.
http://www.locatebirmingham.com/ | 0121 303 2222

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

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