LANCASHIRE BUSINESS GUIDE
Your local guide to setting up and running a successful business.

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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)

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SYOB Home › Lancashire › Lancashire Business

LANCASHIRE BUSINESS

If you run a business in Lancashire or if you are thinking of setting up a new business in Lancashire 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.

You can search countywide in this section or select your local area..

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 Lancashire, it makes sense to use an accountant, web designer or printer based in Lancashire who is prepared to help small businesses or new business start ups.

Business Information

You will find LOCAL business information and useful contacts in these Lancashire business pages, but we have also created an extensive library of general business information to help give your business the best chance of success. The answers to 100's of the most frequently asked business 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 LANCASHIRE BUSINESS WEBSITES

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

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce. The Commercial department of the Chamber is unique, as it is the only Chamber in the UK to have a dedicated team of Supply Chain & Business Development specialists.
http://www.chamberelancs.co.uk | 01254 356 400

Enterprise 4 All. Enterprise4All is Lancashire's leading provider of business support services. We offer specialist assistance and advice to anyone who wants to start a new business and we provide expert help for established companies that are looking to expand. In recent years, we have provided FREE information, advice and guidance to thousands of local people and we’ve helped well over 1500 of them to start or develop their own company.

http://www.enterprise4all.co.uk | 0845 607 0786

Federation of Small Business Lancashire and Cumbria. 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 office: Mercantile House, 347 Garstang Road, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9UP
http://www.fsb.org.uk | 01772 7712033

Lancashire Education Business Partnership. As a registered charity, we build bridges between education and business communities and work with over 20,000 businesses and over 450 schools/colleges and educational establishments across Lancashire. Together we help young people make informed choices about their future
http://www.lebp.co.uk | 01254 584 000

Learning and Skills Council - Lancashire. 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 4157

St Helens Chamber. Setting up and running your own business can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. It can also be very hard work - especially if you go it alone. Whatever kind of business you're thinking of starting up, we can offer you expert business advice and support including start up grants ranging from £500 to £5000. We offer a helping hand throughout every stage of your business's growth and can also help find premises for new or expanding businesses. Additionally, we can signpost companies looking to grow their business to the advisory team within Business Link North West.
http://www.sthelenschamber.com | 01744 742096

The Enterprise Trust Pennine Lancashire Enterprise Trust is an independent, non-governmental and not for profit private organisation with a proven track record in supporting thousands of businesses throughout Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.

Pennine Lancashire Enterprise Trust is a focal point for small businesses and is committed to providing a valuable, customer focused service that meets and anticipates each and every one of our client's needs.
hello@pennineenterprise.co.uk | http://www.pennineenterprise.co.uk | 0845 0777100

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

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