LINKS

There is a wealth of information out there for budding entrepreneurs and here is a list of some websites that can put you in the picture.

BBC sites

BBC Business Home Page Central resource for business news, programme information and money advice.

Start a business A BBC consumer guide to starting out.

Starting your small business A BBC News guide.

Getting Started A ONE Life checklist on starting up your own business.

Working Lunch BBC 2's daily taste of the latest developments in business and personal finance.

Radio 4 - In Business Radio 4's weekly look at trends and developments in industry and the world of work.

Five Live - Wake Up to Money Find information on setting up in business, managing money, personal finances and career moves.

General

• Business Link Business Link is a government funded agency that provides information, advice and support needed to start, grow and maintain a business.

• Business Gateway Business Gateway is the Scottish equivalent of Business Link, delivers an effective one stop shop to help you grow or start your business.

• Regional Development Agencies Regional Development Agencies are strategic drivers of regional economic development. They promote business efficiency, investment and competitiveness and develop skills for relevant employment.

• Women's Business Development Agency Women's Business Development Agency provides women with the specific support and advice they need to start and sustain their own business.

• Enterprising Britain 2006 A nationwide competition to find the most enterprising place in Britain, promoted by the Small Business Service, an agency of the Department of Trade and Industry, and offering information and best practise on enterprise.

• The British Library The UK's national library holds vast business research resources in its Business and IP Centre in London. Access to the resources is free.

• The UK Patent Office The UK Patent Office is the UK body that is responsible for copyright, designs, patents and trade marks.

• Intellectual Property Intellectual Property offers all the resources needed to find a way through the IP jungle of copyright, designs, patents and trade marks.

• Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys A non-profit advisory service with a mass of information on patents as well as a directory of registered patent attorneys around the UK.

• UK Trade and Investment UK Trade and Investment is the Government organisation that supports companies in the UK doing business internationally and overseas enterprises seeking to set up or expand in the UK.

• HM Customs and Excise HM Customs and Excise is responsible for collecting the bulk of tax revenue, as well as paying tax credits. It offers free advice on tax, PAYE and VAT returns.

• ACAS ACAS is the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service which can offer impartial advice on legal queries, working with employers and employees to solve problems and improve performance.

• Prince's Trust The Prince's Trust a charity that offers financial and practical support, mentoring and training to 14-30 year olds.

• Learn Direct Learn Direct offers free personalised career advice through a network of online learning centres across the UK.

• Small Business Advice Service Small Business Advice Service offers free online advice to small businesses.

• The Department of Trade and Industry Working to create the conditions for business success and help the UK respond to the challenge of globalisation.

• The National Federation of Enterprise Agencies 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 services.

• Enterprise Insight Help for business ideas and the organisation promoting the annual Enterprise Week initiative.

• Chambers of Commerce A national network of quality-accredited Chambers of Commerce with links to businesses of all sizes.