Trusted Business Information

Not everyone who wants to give you advice about your own home based business is qualified to give you that advice. Others are just out to make money from you. There are trustworthy sources of information out there - but which are they? A good place to start is with web pages from government, business charities or other independent organisations. This post lists a wide range, but not all of them. Much of the advice is useful wherever you are based, but since the pages are from the UK, things like tax and business law will apply in the UK only.

[Update. Two important links for my American readers: The Better Business Bureau and Counselors to America's Small Business]

General Business Support and Start Up

Business Link for advice online . It is a free business advice and support service backed by the government and the business community. Great for start ups and those in the early years of their business. Find your local branch. Use them, they're invaluable. Start with their no nonsense guide to starting a business.

National Federation of Enterprise Agencies. Impartial and independent advice on starting and developing your business. This is the link for England - click it and find your region. Equivalent organisations for other UK countries are: Business Support Wales and Business Enterprise Scotland

Business Gateway for Lowland Scotland and Highlands and Islands Enterprise are similar.

Forum for Private Business is an organisation you can join, or you can just take advantage of the loads of free advice online.

British Chambers of Commerce offer advice, business news and the chance to network with other businesses.

The Confederation of British Industries (CBI). Often know as the 'bosses' organisation, they offer these enterprise pages for SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises).

The Trade Association Forum represents many trade associations and offers business news and networking. Particularly helpful if it represents your trade.

EEF is and employers federation with more advice and networking.


Scams

Consumer Direct has government advice on work from home scams.

Finance

British Banking Association with advice on business banking.

Business Link again. Information on grants and support.


Accountants

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants can help you find an accountant.

Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales gives general advice on accounting and using accountants


Computers, Internet and Communications

Get Safe Online is a government backed organisation giving advice on communications security.

Telecom Advice is an independent organisation giving advice on all forms of electronic communications.


Employment and Training

These Direct Government pages tell you about workers' pay and conditions rights.

The Citizens' Advice service offers training courses on employment law.


Business Law

These government Office of Fair Trading pages tell small businesses about business law.


Health, Safety and Environment

Health and Safety Executive's business pages will tell you about health and safety standards and practice.

Environment Agency - government pages about business and the environment.


Taxes

HM Revenue and Customs pages for 'how to' guides to tax, and download forms for various taxes.

Tax Aid - a charity giving advice on tax issues.