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Business Support

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The recession has caused cashflow and debt problems for many businesses, forcing them to consider laying off staff or cutting back on employees' hours. However, some businesses have been fortunate and are looking to recruit employees and train existing staff to help their organisations continue to grow. Whatever the circumstances of your business, the following links should prove useful.

Business advice and guidance

  • Business Link offers practical advice for businesses.
  • Business Debtline is part of the Money Advice Trust and its website is designed to help any business which has cashflow or debt problems.
  • St Albans District Chamber of Commerce helps further the interest of businesses in the area.
  • St Albans Enterprise Agency (STANTA) is a not-for-profit organisation that provides general business advice and legal and financial surgeries for local businesses.
  • The Federation of Small Businesses is a campaigning pressure group that promotes and protects the interests of the self-employed and owners of small businesses. 


Recruitment and redundancy

  • Job Centre Plus provides advice on recruitment and training for businesses.
  • ACAS helps with employment relations by supplying up-to-date information, independent advice and high quality training, and working with employers and employees to solve problems and improve performance. It has put together guidance on the recession.
  • CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau) Online Advice Guide.


Business finance

  • Business Debtline is part of the Money Advice Trust and its website is designed to help any business which has cashflow or debt problems.
  • The East of England Development Agency helps guide the economic development of the area by offering services to support businesses. Local entrepreneurs can apply for loans of up to £200,000 to help start up and grow their businesses.
  • UK Trade and Investment helps UK companies to suceed in international markets and overseas companies to bring quality investment to the UK.


Training

  • Train to Gain offers funding and support to employers in training their employees.
  • Directgov provides information on education and learning.
  • University of Hertfordshire offers a variety of courses to help employees improve their business skills.
  • Oaklands College provides a number of practical courses to help train employees for the workplace.


Tax

  • HM Revenue and Customs provides:
    • employers with information on national insurance contributions/PAYE rates and tax treatment of expenses.
    • businesses with information on setting up as a limited company, corporation tax, value added tax (VAT) and pension schemes.
  • Tax Offices for employers, the self-employed and enquiries about corporation tax.


Charities and community groups

  • CVS Recession Advice
    Download the Centre for Voluntary Service advice guide for charitable ventures to weather the storm. (PDF document, opens in a new browser window)
Date of last review: 15 April 2009

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