NORTHAMPTONSHIRE 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)

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 › Northamptonshire › Northamptonshire Business

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE BUSINESS

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

Either search countywide in this section or select your local area.

Corby | Kettering | Northampton | Wellingborough

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 Northamptonshire, it makes sense to use an accountant, web designer or printer based in Northamptonshire 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 Northamptonshire 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 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE 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

Federation of Small Business Leicestershire, Northamptonshire & Rutland. 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.
http://www.fsb.org.uk | (01162) 597707

Learning and Skills Council - Northamptonshire. 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 4175

Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce. Whether you're a small business or a large corporate organisation, more than 1300 Northamptonshire businesses are already benefiting from the benefits of membership. Through a wealth of support and a great many services such as raising your profile and helping you make cost savings, Chamber Membership is part and parcel of running a successful business.
http://www.northants-chamber.co.uk | 01604 490 490

Northamptonshire County Council - Trading Standards. Northamptonshire County Council Trading Standards are here to protect the interests of Northamptonshire consumers and businesses.
http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/northants | 01604 707 900

Northamptonshire Education Business Partnership. Northampton Education Business Partnership (NEBP) offers a brokerage service to business, organisations and schools, bringing them together in a series of work related programmes, events and training which deliver effective and measurable outcomes that benefit all involved.
http://www.ebp-northamptonshire.org.uk | 01604 671 156

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

Image courtesy of Dave Hamster under a Creative Commons Attribution licence.

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