Business support

Business support available in the North Somerset area.

Please contact the Economic Development Service at North Somerset Council if you would like further information on available business support.

North Somerset Enterprise Agency

The North Somerset Enterprise Agency actively helps local businesses to start up and grow.

For further information visit our North Somerset Enterprise Agency page.

North Somerset Council

There are many services available to businesses at North Somerset Council.

For further information visit our North Somerset Council page. If you are not sure who you need to speak to, please contact the Economic Development Service.

Business Link

Business Link is a government funded organisation that provides a range of support services to start, run and grow a business. This includes information on grant and funding sources, contracts finder, training and events, workspace solutions, expanding your business, employment legislation and improving your resource efficiency. They provide a range of help for businesses facing the credit crunch or wanting to recession proof their performance.

For further information:
Website: www.businesslink.gov.uk/southwest
Telephone: 0845 600 9966

Weston College Business Enterprise Centre

The Weston College Business Enterprise Centre specialises in the provision of training in the workplace across the South West.

For further information visit our Business Enterprise Centre page.

Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)

The FSB is the UK's largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms. Also, the FSB delivers a wide range of services to its members, including training and networking events, a free no obligation business health check and a range of discounted financial and insurance services to members.

For further information:
Website: www.fsb.org.uk/somerset-and-wilts
Contacts: Colin Sandford email: colin@sandford-ca.co.uk, Telephone: 01934 812 505 or Mary Mallia - email: mary.mallia@fsb.org.uk, Telephone: 01249 449 120

University of the West of England (UWE)

The University offers more than 600 courses at undergraduate, postgraduate, professional and short course levels. UWE's focus on partnerships and links with major employers and a unique Graduate Development Programme offers opportunities for students to get real world experience and develop the skills they need to succeed in their chosen career.

For further information visit our University of the West of England page.

Business West

Business West is a membership and economic development organisation working across the South West. The network of Chambers of Commerce offers its members a wide range of services such as access to networking events and training courses. Serviced office space with ‘easy in easy out’ rental is also available at their Leigh Court Business Centre in North Somerset.

For further information:
Website: www.businesswest.co.uk
Telephone: 01275 373 373

Local Chambers of Commerce

There are a number of Chambers of Commerce in North Somerset covering the main towns and surrounding areas. These provide a collective voice and numerous benefits such as networking opportunities.

For contact details including website address visit our contacts page.

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI)

This is the government’s lead international business development organisation that assists UK companies engaged in overseas trade and foreign enterprises seeking to locate in the UK.

Using the expertise of International Trade Advisers, Market Specialists and the network of British Embassies and Consulates around the world, UKTI can help develop export strategies and offer a range of subsidised services including market research, sales leads and business opportunities, publicity and support for travel.

For further information visit www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk or download the pdf UKTI Services Descriptor.

Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS)

MAS is one of the Government's Solutions for Business suite of offerings, funded by BIS (Department for Business, Innovation and Skills) and the European Regional Development Fund.

MAS is designed to help the manufacturer, streamline processes, reduce waste, become more energy efficient and generally improve and grow their business, regardless of size. Initial services are FREE to Small and Medium sized manufacturers and grants may also be available for more specific help.

For further information:
Website: www.mymas.org
Telephone: 0845 658 9600

NHS Health for Work Adviceline

The free "Health for Work Adviceline for Small Businesses" helps managers to quickly and effectively address the issue of employee ill health, minimise the impact of staff illness, and provide essential support to staff with physical or mental health issues.

For further information:
Website: www.health4work.nhs.uk
Telephone: 0800 077 8844

Our South West

Provides the focus and on-line champion for sustainability in the South West, and is managed, developed and co-ordinated by the Government Office for the South West.

The website provides businesses with a comprehensive range of links to organisations and agencies locally, regionally and nationally who can provide a range of specialist environmental information on waste minimisation, sustainable construction, adapting to climate change, renewables and general environmental advice.

The website also provides detailed information on detailed government support programmes to help your business – through WRAP, Business Link, Environment Agency, Low carbon Buildings programme, Envirowise.

For further information:
Website: www.oursouthwest.com

StartUp Britain

is designed to make it easier for new companies and innovations to flourish and encourage people who aspire to start new businesses to work for themselves. Information is available for starting a business, growing a business and exclusive deals with some of the most recognised brands in the UK.

For further information:
Website: www.startupbritain.org

Design Out Crime

The Design Council and the Home Office’s Design and Technology Alliance have developed a free, online resource for small businesses to ensure that businesses address crime. Research shows that the average small business loses £3,000 every year, yet there are simple things which can be done to significantly reduce crime and save money.

For further information:
Website: www.designoutcrime.org.uk/toolkit

Business Navigator

The support access service of the West of England LEP details upcoming events and organisations that exist to support and advise businesses in the area. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can post a question on the Forum and a support organisation will respond within 24hrs.

For further information:
Website: www.businessnavigator.org.uk