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 Link - Open for
Business
You may have read in the media recently
speculation over the future of Business Link. The
Coalition Government is committed to replacing
Regional Development Agencies with local
enterprise partnerships, and reviewing the
delivery of business support in the future. We are
working closely with the North West Development
Agency during this transition.
In the meantime Business Link remains the
government's support service for business and we
will continue to offer the same quality and level
of support to local businesses in the North West.
We are still very much open for business
Business Link Northwest is a free-to-use,
independent business support, advice and
information service, available to businesses
across the North West.
Whether you are already in business and want to
grow, or if you are thinking about starting a business...we can help!
We provide relevant up-to-date information and
advice on business issues such as, sales and
marketing, starting or expanding a business,
access to finance, managing people, innovation,
technology and exporting.
This free service can be accessed via telephone,
online, or face-to-face for more in-depth support.
Online
Our website is bursting with information and 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. Simply
visit:
www.businesslink.gov.uk/northwest and start
your journey now.
On the phone
Speak to an experienced and impartial business
adviser in confidence today. Call 0845 00 66 888
to discuss your business issues, receive relevant
and specific business information and get the
support you need.
Face to face
If required one of our qualified and experienced
advisers can visit you at your convenience.
In addition, the organisation,
Business Support Solutions also offers
advice, information and resources to help
businesses and works closely with the
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.
You can contact them on 0845 608 3388.
There is also the local Sale and
Altrincham Chamber of Commerce that
supports businesses in the area.
The
Federation of
Small Businesses promotes and furthers
the interests of the self-employed and
small business sector.
There is also the
Business
Debtline, a national charity that was
formed in 1991 to provide free,
independent and confidential money advice.
They also offer many helpful tips on money
management for businesses through their
website. If you would like to speak to
someone direct, you can phone free on
Freephone helpline number – 0800 197 6026
for confidential, impartial advice.
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