Trafford Council’s website www.trafford.gov.uk/business provides information and services for businesses and also links to other useful websites that assist businesses. During the current time, business ratepayers are being encouraged to apply for business rate relief. Over 1,400 local businesses in Trafford receive help under the small business rate relief scheme. And some businesses receive a reduction in their bill of up to 50 per cent. More details of how to apply for this help, or any of the other kinds of relief available to business ratepayers can be found at www.trafford.gov.uk or by telephoning the Business Rates Section on 0161 912 2346.

A partnership of the 11 local authorities across Greater Manchester, Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen has resulted in the Ask about Business initiative which provides business information across a network of participating libraries – Trafford’s is in Altrincham Library. The project is designed to help pre-start and new businesses as well as existing businesses, inventors and business students. In addition, the specially set up website offers a host of practical information and guidance.

Business Rates

The business rates policy is set by central government and business rates are collected by the local authority, sent to a central account held by the Department for Communities and Local Government and then redistributed back to local authorities as part of the local government finance settlement.

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA), part of HM Revenue and Customs, assesses rateable values which are used for working out business rates bills.

Business Rates Deferral Scheme

In 2012/13, you are able to defer (delay) paying 3.2% of your rates bill. If you apply for this scheme, the delayed amount will be collected in 2013/14 and 2014/15.

More details on this and information about business rates and other types of business rate relief are available via the Department for Communities and Local Government website:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/localgovernment/localgovernmentfinance/businessrates/ or via Trafford Council’s Business Rates section, e-mail: business.rates@trafford.gov.uk or telephone: 0161 912 2346. There is also information via the Council’s website: www.trafford.gov.uk/Business/BusinessRates  and the NWVOA website, http://www.voa.gov.uk/corporate.

Business Link

The very comprehensive Business Link website, www.businesslink.gov.uk  can offer advice and support to any type of business, whether you're starting up, already running a business or looking to develop. It has a range of interactive tools on everything you need to start and grow a business. Sales, marketing, social media, financial management and employing people are just some of the topics covered. It is a free service available online and there is also a telephone helpline.