Startup Support UK – Organisations That Can Help You Get Started: Part 3

by Startacus Admin

The time has come for the third and final instalment of our Startup Support UK feature. We’ve really enjoyed putting together this list of interesting and helpful organisations which all of you budding entrepreneurs should check out – a little help goes a long way. Startup Support UK Part 1 and Startup Support UK Part 2 can be read and enjoyed here!

Chamber of Commerce
The British Chamber of Commerce represent thousands of businesses who have employed over 5 million employees. They are an independent business network and have Accredited Chambers in every nation and region of the UK as well as in key markets around the world. They represent business interests and help thousands of companies across the UK grow by taking advantage of their global network.

The Chambers of Commerce do their very best to provide practical support and advice for various different businesses as they also continue to work on closing the gap between education and employment. They help businesses find the employees that are perfect for them while they also help students gain the skills they need in order to start a successful career.

If you own, or are part of a business that perhaps needs help finding the perfect employee, or you are simply trying to improve your own career prospects, you can check out their website. Here, you can find out more about how they can help you with international trade and exporting, or if you’re aged between 16-24 you can find out more about their apprenticeships.

Federation of Small Businesses
The Federation of Small Businesses promote and protect the interest of small business owners and the self employed across the UK. The Federation now has around 200,000 members across 33 regions and 188 branches.

They have a lobbying arm, which puts pressure on the Government regarding the key issues which may be affecting their members.

If you are a member of the FSB, you will be privy to a wide range of high quality business services including tax protection, legal protection and free healthcare if you happen to be diagnosed with a serious health condition. As well as this, if you are a small business owner you will have access to online legal information which means you don’t necessarily have to see a lawyer in person and you will be given the right protection!
If you would like to find out more on what else the FSB has to offer and how you can become a member, you can do so here.

CBI
Much like the organisations that we have discussed so far, the Confederation of Business Industry is a business lobbying organisation that provides a voice for employers at both a national and international level.

They provide assistance to businesses of all sizes and wish to promote the conditions in which businesses across the UK can compete so that the process is ultimately beneficial for everyone involved. Senior team members will regularly engage with policymakers, legislators and regulators in order to ensure that your voice is heard. If you choose to become a member of the CBI, you will have various different networking opportunities thanks to a prestigious calendar. There will be a wide range of conferences, events and meetings that will enable you to connect with a range of people who could help drive your business forward. As well as this, the CBI will work hard with you to understand your main business objectives and will tailor your partnership so that you can meet your goals with ease.

Wish to find out more about the industry and membership benefits? Simply visit their website here and follow them on twitter, too! 

IPSE
The Association of Independent Professionals & Self Employed is the largest association of independent professionals in the EU. It is a non-profit organisation that represents freelancers, contractors and consultants from every sector of the economy.

They value freelancing a great deal, and believe that flexibility in Britain’s labour market is crucial to the nation’s economic success. Because of this, they wish to demonstrate the economic value of freelancing to the government.

As well as this, they provide support services to all of their members including compensation of illness/injury and tax and legal helplines. This means that members have the support that they need in order to move forward and succeed with their business. They offer various different membership levels, including IPSE Plus, the premium membership. However, all levels of membership mean that IPSE will ensure that your business is 100% protected. To find out more about membership benefits, visit their membership page here.

Enterprise Rockers
Enterprise Rockers was launched in 2012 and they focus solely on micro business. They have no government funding, so they are completely independent and are determined to make life better for the smallest businesses out there.

How do they help? They will encourage micro businesses and consumers to trade with each other (simples!) They also develop relationships with larger organisations and initiatives who are also supporting micro businesses. For example, you can go to their “Friends Wall” to find out who else can assist you with your business.

They have connected over 25,000 people through social media networks, campaigns and promotions at various different events and campaigns, such as their fab initiative MICRO BIZ MATTERS DAY, so a big hi five to Tony Robinson OBE and Tina Boden for their on-going hard work, effort and support of Startacus too!

Social Enterprise UK
Social Enterprise UK are the UK’s national body for social enterprise. Together with their members, which includes various different public sector bodies, charities, community groups and social enterprises, they provide information, tools, undertake research and campaign so that ultimately, they can create a business environment where social enterprises can thrive!

They run a number of programmes, including the Social Enterprise Places Project, which recognises towns, cities and villages within the UK that are social enterprise hotspots. How does this help? The hotspots reach out and involve local councils, business and charities, bringing them together so that social enterprise is able to grow within their community.
As well as this, they offer a lot of support on their website, share knowledge and information in their ‘how to’ guides and training materials and organise the annual Social Enterprise Awards.

Their membership bands are there to support you and your business at whatever stage you are at. However, they only offer membership to organisations. If you wish to become a member you will have priority access and discounts to events as well as invitation to exclusive member events. Still interested? Head over to their membership page to find out more.

And finally - a big hi-five and thank you to Frillo! If you visit their website, you will find fantastic deals on various different business and office products (that's what they do!) while also providing tips, hints and information to help you move along with your business! Why are they on the list? Well apart from all the above, they have offered Startacus some fab support after we won their annual £10k Office Competition and we've been wanting to give them a shout out ever since. Cheers Guys! (hopefully for you all the comp returns again this Year!)

That’s all folks, this marks the end of our Startup Support UK Feature. It has been a fun ride and we hope that you have enjoyed reading. Here’s hoping that we have helped point you in the right direction! All of the organisations that we have talked about over the past few weeks offer fantastic, unique opportunities for you and your business – no matter where you are on your journey!

Subscribe to our newsletter

If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.

• #
• #federation
• #cbi
• #ipse
• #enterprise
• #entrepreneurs

Published on: 30th March 2015