Business Support and Advice
Many business support organisations can provide support and advice to Hackney businesses on a range of issues, from how to start a business or work for yourself, to creating effective marketing or business plans, to raising finance. Support may be delivered through 1 to 1 sessions, workshops, over the phone or online.
The following list provides contacts and a brief summary of organisations or projects which can help you access support to your business
Business support organisations
Hackney Enterprise Network
Hackney Enterprise Network (HEN) can help your business to make new contacts, enter new markets, access funding and grow. The network is funded by Hackney Council and delivered by HBV Enterprise. Find out more about Hackney Enterprise Network
Bright Ideas Trust
Bright Ideas Trust can help you start a business, gain access to mentoring and expert business support. Available if you are between 16-30 years old. Web: www.brightideastrust.com
British Library: Business & IP Centre
British Library: Business & IP Centre is a valuable source of information on intellectual property, advice sessions with experts and business training. Telephone: 20 7412 7454 Web: www.bl.uk/bipc
Business Debtline
Business Debtline offers free advice to help your business deal with debt or cashflow problems. Telephone: 0800 197 6026 Web: www.bdl.org.uk
Business Link in London
Business Link in London is the gateway to business support in London. They can help you diagnose what support your business needs, and point you in the right direction. Telephone: 0845 6000 787 Email: info@bllondon.co.uk Web: www.businesslink.gov.uk
CIDA (Cultural Industries Development Agency)
CIDA (Cultural Industries Development Agency) is one of the foremost creative and cultural support organisations in London, and can help you take your creative business or project further. Telephone: 020 7247 4710 Email: info@cida.co.uk Web: www.cida.co.uk
East London Business Place
East London Business Place provides support to help businesses become ready to tender for contracts. They have a database of tender opportunities, and work to match up suppliers with buyers. Telephone: 020 7537 6480 Web: www.elbp.co.uk
Hackney Council's Business Rates Team
The Business rates Team collects Business Rates (National Non Domestic Rates) on behalf of Central Government. They have information on Small Business Relief, and Exemptions, and can help if you have queries about your Business Rates bill.
Please visit the Business Rates page for more information.
HBV Enterprise
HBV Enterprise is an award-winning organisation providing support to people and businesses. They can help you plan your business idea, access funding and make your business a success. Telephone: 020 7254 9595 Email: mail@hbv.org.uk Web: www.hbv.org.uk
HCD (Hackney Co-operative Developments)
HCD (Hackney Co-operative Developments) works with businesses in Dalston, providing support and mentoring to help business work together to take the most advantage of local and regional opportunities. Telephone: 020 7993 3639 Email: info@hcd.coop Web: www.hced.co.uk
Business membership groups
Business in the Community
Business in the Community is a business group which helps its membership to develop corporate responsibility and tackle some of the largest problems facing businesses in Britain. Telephone: 020 7566 8650 Email: information@bitc.org.uk Web: www.bitc.org.uk
Confederation of Business Industry (CBI)
Confederation of Business Industry (CBI) is the UK’s top business lobby. Membership with them confers a range of benefits and influence which can help your business. Telephone: 020 7379 7400 Web: www.cbi.org.uk
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is the UK’s leading business organisation. It lobbies in support of self-employed and small business owners, and provides business services and legal advice to members. Telephone: 01253 336000 Web: www.fsb.org.uk
Institute of Directors (IoD)
Institute of Directors (IoD) is a membership organisation for business leaders, offering training and development, business intelligence and premises across the UK. Telephone: 020 7766 8866 Web: www.iod.com
Other help
GRANTNet
GRANTNet is a service designed to help businesses and community organisations find funding. Web: www.grantnet.com
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is the Government department in charge of tax revenues. They have a lot of information for businesses with tax or benefit questions. Web: www.hmrc.gov.uk
Invest in Hackney
Invest in Hackney is the borough’s foremost source of intelligence on property and investment trends. They can help your business identify locations and work with you, the Council Planning department and other parties to create successful planning applications. Telephone: 020 7033 2607 Email: info@invest-in-hackney.org Web: www.invest-in-hackney.org
Think London
Think London is the official foreign direct investment agency for London. They can help your business expand in London, by identifying opportunities and connecting you with expert advisors. Telephone: 020 7718 5400 Web: www.thinklondon.com
Train to Gain
Train to Gain is a Government programme designed to help businesses increase the skills of their employees, raise productivity and make your business more competitive. Telephone: 0845 600 9 006 Web: www.traintogain.gov.uk
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI)
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the Government department which encourages foreign direct investment and helps UK-based companies to export elsewhere. Web: www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk
Page updated: 11 Mar 2010