Do you think starting your business will be difficult? Of course, there’s a lot to think about but it might be easier than you think. There’s a huge range of information and support out there for you to take advantage of.

Here is a guide to some of the services available for you:

1 - Contact your local Enterprise Agency

NFEA Enterprise Agencies are local, not for profit organisations set up to provide dedicated business support to new and growing businesses.  With over 120 enterprise agencies in 200 locations throughout England, there’s probably an agency in your local area. 

You can benefit from a wide array of business support services (many of which are free of charge or heavily subsidised) - including: impartial advice, training courses, consultancy and business rental space.

An enterprise agency could be alongside you and your business every step of the way - from that initial seed of an idea through to the success of trading and the potential of your business growth! To find your nearest Enterprise Agency, visit www.nfea.com. Details are also available online for business support contacts in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. 

2 - Attend a free business start up seminar
Of course, getting going with that business idea isn't always easy. You could get a head start with a free Barclays business start up seminar.

Let’s Talk Starting in Business:
This free Barclays seminar will give you the tools to help your business take off – advising you on sales, marketing, finance, taxation and more. This is an excellent opportunity to get free information, talk to other local new business starters and swap experience and contacts.

If you are researching your business plan and you are going to launch your business in the next few months, then the Let’s Talk Starting in Business seminar is for you. Find out more at www.barclays.co.uk/seminars/startinginbusiness

Let’s Talk Business Ideas:
If you are still some way from starting out and you want to explore your business idea and going self-employed, the free Barclays Let’s Talk Business Ideas seminar may be more helpful. Is running a business really right for you? What are the potential problems? The potential rewards? Or perhaps you’re in need of an idea. This seminar can help you explore opportunities that use the knowledge and skills you already have.

To attend a seminar full of great business advice and tips for people who want to find out how to move a dream business idea into a reality, please visit www.barclays.co.uk/seminars/businessideas

These seminars are organised in conjunction with the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies and in partnership with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

3 - Ask for business advice online
The Small Business Advice website, run by the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies (NFEA), provides free and confidential business start up advice – tailored to your enquiry.  Ask a specific business start up question and a local, independent business adviser will respond to you directly within 48 hours, no matter what your query. 

Here’s a brief selection of some of the questions that have been asked – although these are only brief summaries and every case is individual:

Q: Can I start up my own business whilst employed elsewhere?
A: Yes, it is fairly straightforward. The main things to bear in mind are that you must tell HM Revenues and Customs within three months of starting and you must keep separate records of revenues and expenses to calculate profit for tax and National Insurance purposes

Q: Can I claim any costs whilst working from home?
A: Yes, it is possible to claim appropriate costs as expenses of a business. It is advisable to consult your accountant as individual circumstances vary considerably and HM Revenue and Customs will be the final arbiter.

Q: How can I find out if my business plan will work?
A: Your local Enterprise Agency will review your business plan for free. Go to www.nfea.com to find your nearest agency and to www.smallbusinessadvice.org.uk, under “submit an enquiry” to request a review.

If you want business start up advice, ask your own question at www.smallbusinessadvice.org.uk


Content provided by NFEA (National Federation of Enterprise Agencies)
NFEA is a network of independent, not for profit local agencies committed to responding to the needs of small and growing businesses by providing a comprehensive range of support services.  Find your local Enterprise Agency at www.nfea.com

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