A good place to begin looking for information about how to set up your own business or enhance your freelance career is by contacting your local council or arts organisation. All local councils have a business advice service, which you should be able to locate on their website. There is a full listing of local London borough websites on the Tagish website. For a general guide to starting up a small business, including business plans, looking for premises, marketing and budgeting, see the Wandsworth Council page on business advice.
The Adviceguide website provides information on your rights, including benefits, housing and employment, and on debt, consumer and legal issues. Developed by Citizens Advice, the independent advice, policy and campaigning charity, you can get information specific to all four UK countries. You might also talk initially to your local Citizen's Advices Bureau, who can give general advice on tax and rights. More detailed information should be sought from a registered business advisor. For your local Citizen's Advice Bureau, check the Adviceguide website's CAB directory search and look for your area.
Pennybank Chambers, 33-35 St John's Square, London EC1M 4DS - Google Maps
Tel: 020 7251 0276
Fax: 020 7250 0297
Email: info@craftcentral.org.uk
Website: www.craftcentral.org.uk
Craft Central (used to be Clerkenwell Green Association) supports craftpeople in numerous ways. It offers business training, tailored mentoring, networking opportunities and studio space. The Work Experience Programme with CGA has two elements. One is to provide placements for individual students wishing to experience a variety of different craft/design areas first hand. The second is for visiting groups of students to spend a day around the workshops meeting craftspeople and designers and discussing their work and background. CGA financially supports craftspeople based in Camden, Hackney, Islington and Tower Hamlets in a number of ways. This includes the Clerkenwell Award to support newly trained craftspeople set up business; The Pennybank Showcase which includes a display and exhibition space, support and training and travelling showcases; Business Development support through in-house consultants, grants and IT resources; and a schools Work Experience Programme. Workshops vary in size, from under 100 sq ft to over 400 sq ft. They are operated on a simple monthly licence, fully inclusive of business rates. Enquiries should be made to the Workshops Manager and are only accepted from practising professional craftspeople and designers.
Listing ID: 138
Chocolate Factory 2, Coburg Road, Wood Green, N22 6UJ - Google Maps
Tel: 020 8365 7500
Tel: 020 8829 1319
Fax: 020 8365 8686
Email: nadia@collage-arts.org
Website: www.collage-arts.org
Website: www.chocolatefactoryartists.co.uk
Chocolate Factory 1 & 2, which has been developed by Collage Arts, houses over 160 creative businesses ranging from graphic designers, jewellers, visual artists, book binders, designer makers, photographers, writers to artist management, film makers, music producers and new media companies. Hot desk facilities can be rented on a short- or long-term basis. In addition a range of continuous professional development opportunities, business support, entrepreneurship initiatives and networking events are available
Listing ID: 142
The Business Development Centre, 7-15 Greatorex Street, London E1 5NF - Google Maps
Geoff Brown, Business Service Administrator
Tel: 020 7247 5251
Bridge Project aims to help local people and businesses with business start-up, accessing loans and grants, business support and training. They also provide start-up units for small business.
Listing ID: 211
26 Burney Street, London SE10 8EX - Google Maps
Tel: 020 8305 2222
Fax: 020 8858 7010
Email: info@geb.co.uk
Website: www.geb.co.uk
Website: www.seenterprise.co.uk
The Greenwich Enterprise Board aims to contribute to the development of small businesses. They provide an integrated range of consultancy, training and advice programmes for established and startup businesses. A team of IT specialists and business advisers are able to offer impartial and up to date advice on a wide range of issues. GEB were the first London TMB (Technology Means Business) accreditation and approved centre, a DTI initiative aimed at helping SMEs to get access to well qualified IT specialists. In addition GEB own a range of commercial properties, managed so as to support tenant businesses wherever possible. Free IT Training for businesses in any London borough who have been trading for less than 2 years.
Listing ID: 213
The Business Development Centre, 7-15 Greatorex Street, London E1 5NF - Google Maps
Tel: 020 7655 0906
Fax: 020 7247 1086
Email: info@emep.co.uk
Website: www.emep.co.uk
The EMEP aims to encourage young men and women from ethnic minority communities to undertake business development in newly emerging sectors. It does this by offering quality business support services to ethnic minority led businesses in Tower Hamlets, providing customer-led business management advice and piloting initiatives to develop business concepts and marketing plans for implementation by ethnic minority youth and women entrepreneurs. It also supports the development of business networks and associations as the voice of the local business community and develops Town Management initiatives to promote key business districts in Tower Hamlets through Festivals, Visual Merchandising and Branding. One programme is Eastside story - a one day event showcasing clothing, accessories, interiors, manufacturers and designers in the east end of London.
Listing ID: 1105
1st Floor, 7-15 Pink Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5DW - Google Maps
Tel: 0191 241 8000
Fax: 01246 453300
Email: edit@a-n.co.uk
Email: info@a-n.co.uk
Website: www.a-n.co.uk
[a-n] provides information, advice and debate for visual and applied artists. It is a not-for-profit company, run by artists for artists. It has three main activities: the monthly [a-n] Magazine providing professional interaction, information, news and networking for artists; web sites with information for potential and existing artists, and those wanting to work with artists; a programme supporting the professional development of individual artists and networks in the north of England. The website covers business startup, advice on tax, finances and professional development and practise. [a-n] also have a range of professional development toolkits on their website to help you develop your methodologies and career.
Listing ID: 1173
The Women's Enterprise Project , 1-9 Birkbeck Street, Bethnal Green, London E2 6JY - Google Maps
Fahima Muhit
Tel: 020 7739 7720
Fax: 020 8520 1304
Email: fahmidam@account3.org.uk
Website: www.account3.org.uk
The Women's Enterprise Project provides support, advice and practical help to women wishing to set up in business or develop strategies for business development.
Listing ID: 1174
Tel: 0870 757 0303
Email: juan.dux@bbv.co.uk
Website: www.bbv.co.uk
Listing ID: 1176
Brick Lane Business Association, 68 Brick Lane, London E1 6RL - Google Maps
Mahmoud Roug
Tel: 020 7247 5721
Fax: 01256 350 080
Works to create a better environment and increase opportunities for local businesses.
Listing ID: 1177
Tel: 020 7247 5251
Website: www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/data/business/data/support-agencies.cfm
Listing ID: 1178
Website: www.britishchambers.org.uk
This site has a map of all Chambers of Commerce to help you find your local one.
Listing ID: 1179
Website: www.bl.uk/business
Specialist advice and information available including sections on invention and innovation, creative and media, legal and consultancy services, architecture, design and engineering. Visit their Business & Intellectual Property Centre at the St Pancras building, or make use of their other business support services (like document and artcile ordering, patent searches and research support). Access to the British Library's Business & Intellectual Property Centre is free. Users need a Reader's Pass if visiting in person.
Listing ID: 1180
Website: www.mysmallbiz.co.uk
Website run and maintained by the British Standards Institute providing information and resources about all aspects of setting up and running a business: finance, employment law, IT disaster prevention, marketing, tax and using the internet.
Listing ID: 1181
TEK House, 11-13 Uxbridge Road, London W12 8TB - Google Maps
Tel: 020 8746 0355
Website: www.bectek.co.uk
Information for businesses in Hammersmith & Fulham.
Listing ID: 1182
Website: www.centa.co.uk
Listing ID: 1183
Business Link for London - Google Maps
Tel: 0845 600 9 006
Fax: 020 7010 0000
Website: www.businesslink.gov.uk
Telephone for a free copy of the 'No-Nonsense' Guide to starting a business, or visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/setup
Listing ID: 1186
The Chocolate Factory, London N22 6XJ - Google Maps
Tel: 020 8365 7500
Fax: 020 8493 8517
Email: info@creative-london-north.com
Website: www.creative-london-north.com
Creative London North will focus on the needs of enterprises in the boroughs of Barnet, Enfield, Haringey and Waltham Forest, but also offer a consultancy service for the clients of other hubs where local knowledge can be shared across the city. Funded by national, local and European government, Creative London North is a 'creative community in progress' that will grow to service the diverse needs of the local community and beyond and advocate and promote local creative talent, products and services. It is a cross between a creative chamber of commerce and a club for creative entrepreneurs. CLN has a professional mentoring scheme and a broader life-coaching service. There are regular training, speed-matching sessions and supervision and support are available for both mentors and mentees.
Listing ID: 1187
Tel: 020 8681 8339
Website: www.cbvltd.co.uk
Listing ID: 1188
9 Burgess Hill, London NW2 2BY - Google Maps
Tel: 020 7435 4348
Website: www.thedesigntrust.co.uk
Helps new design graduates get started in the commercial world. Provides networking and selling opportunities, information, business skills training and support. Also supplies a free downloadable Business Startup Guide at www.thedesigntrust.co.uk/index.php?page=contents
Listing ID: 1189
The Outset, 2 Grange Road, Walthamstow, London E17 8AH - Google Maps
Tel: 020 8509 6070
Email: ian@dv8training.co.uk
Website: www.dv8training.com
Dv8 Entertainments was established in 1996 as an event promotions company to promote club events, tours and music festivals. In 1999, Dv8 established a community record label, Eastside Records, which has signed a number of highly promising acts from East London. In addition, Eastside Records offers creative industry business support through workshops and one-to-one sessions and helps creative artists, producers and writers to develop their creative works & product, take the product to market and to gain access to various income streams. The support is provided through business support workshops - a series of 5 day lectures covering industry overview & label management, A&R and artist Development, digital music market, marketing, PR & radio, publishing & contracts. Additional support is offered via one-to-one drop-in sessions that cover business planning and development, promotion and marketing strategies, intellectual property rights, and on-line business and development strategies.
Listing ID: 1190
Baordman House, 64 Broadway, Stratford, London E15 1NT - Google Maps
Tel: 020 8432 0600
Email: info@eastlondoncentre.co.uk
Website: www.eastlondoncentre.co.uk
Offers a range of advice and guidance to all businesses, from start ups through to long established firms. Advice is available on business structure, assistance with planning and developing a business plan and assistance with cash flow forecasts.
Listing ID: 1191
Tel: 020 7377 8821
Email: ELSBC@goeast.org
Website: www.goeast.org
Support for businesses based in Tower Hamlets, Newham, Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham. They provide business start-up advice, strategic business reviews, help with business planning, specific business counselling and support for businesses in the fashion, clothing and arts sector.
Listing ID: 1192
Tel: 020 8887 9500
Email: info@enfieldartspartnership.org
Website: www.enfieldartspartnership.org
Enfield Arts Partnership offers free business advice, training and support to anyone working in the borough's creative sector. Support services include: training needs analysis, grants and funding advice, accounting sessions, events management and project development support. The five sites in the partnership offer exhibition space, conference facilities, training and artist studios for artists, schools and community groups. Gallery space is provided by: the Artszone, a two-level gallery space; Gallery Fore, a community art gallery in Edmonton and Platform gallery, an exhibition space located on the platform at Palmers Green station. Renaissance Studios houses 16 studios for artists and Salisbury House offers art workshops and courses.
Listing ID: 1194
Tel: 020 8443 5457
Email: info@enfieldenterpriseagency.co.uk
Provides business start-up advice, business support, help with business planning and cash flows. Free initial consultancy then £10 fee for every subsequent meeting.
Listing ID: 1195
2 Catherine Place, Westminster, London SW1E 6HF - Google Maps
Tel: 020 7233 7900
Website: www.fsb.org.uk
Membership organisation which operates as a pressure group on behalf of small businesses belonging to the organisation. Covers, amongst other areas, taxation and insurance and offers 24-hour legal advice to members.
Listing ID: 1196
Tel: 020 7248 5555
Website: www.gle.co.uk
Listing ID: 1197
Tel: 020 7254 9595
Website: www.hbv.org.uk
Listing ID: 1198
Tel: 020 8376 6262
Email: haringeybusiness@leevalley.co.uk
Listing ID: 1199
Enterprise House, 297 Pinner Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 4HS - Google Maps
Tel: 020 8427 6188
Email: info@hib.org.uk
Website: www.harrowinbusiness.com
An enterprise agency with a 21 year history of helping small and medium sized companies. Offer training, mentoring, company audits, a LearnDirect centre. Also want to do more work with artistic communities.
Listing ID: 1200
Tel: 020 7254 9595
Website: www.hbv.org.uk
HBV Enterprise is a leading centre for small business advice and support in Hackney. They offer a range of business loans depending on where applicants are based, for example Hackney Business Development Fund, Shoreditch Business Development Fund and the Finsbury Park Business Development Fund.
Listing ID: 1201
The Art of Regeneration, The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford SE8 4AG - Google Maps
Tel: 020 8691 3800
Email: info@head4biz.com
Website: www.head4biz.com
Head for Business, has been set up to tackle social exclusion in south east London through a programme of support for entrepreneurs. The initiative will foster creative business in Lewisham and Greenwich as part of the art of regeneration partnership. H4B offer: access to free training and information; access to loans; encouragement to network, with support; help for individuals to make informed decisions.
Listing ID: 1202
15 Hampstead Road, Birmingham B20 2BT - Google Maps
Tel: 0121 523 6886
Website: www.icof.co.uk
Supports the development of the social economy and ethical business. Offers loans for co-operatives in specific regions of the UK
Listing ID: 1204
Head Office, PO Box 188, Chesterfield, S41 9YE - Google Maps
Tel: 01246 453322
Email: info@iba.org.uk
Website: www.iba.org.uk
IBA is a non-profit making professional institute of individual business advisers, counsellors, mentors and trainers who specialise in helping small firms. IBA members can be found in most Business Links, Training & Enterprise Councils, Enterprise Agencies and similar business support organisations throughout the UK. Introductory Business Advisory Services are usually available either free of charge or subsidised through a variety of schemes which vary in different Regions.
Listing ID: 1205
14 Southgate Road Hackney London N1 - Google Maps
Suite 105 Hilton Grove Business Centre, Hatherley Mews, Walthamstow, London E17 4QP
Tel: 020 8520 1213
Website: www.integria.net
Integria Limited is a management consultancy specialising in creative industries, offering sound and professional business advice and training as well as technical assistance. Many of the well-qualified business advisors have had practical creative industry experience themselves and so have a clear understanding of the needs of business in this sector. Integria provides new opportunities for start up and small to medium creative and cultural enterprises as well as marketing and presentation of local cultural product. It develops new audiences for these local industries. A resource centre is available as a one-stop shop resource for creative and cultural people. The ethos of the service Integria provides is to create a long-term relationship with clients, encouraging them to make continued use of resources. Continuous support is provided, thereby ensuring successful establishment of sound and sustainable businesses.
Listing ID: 1206
University of East London, Dockands Campus, 4-6 University Way, London E16 2RD - Google Maps
Website: www.knowledgedock.com
Based at the University of East London, Knowledge Dock provides business advice for people at any stage of their business, as well as other support services and short courses. For a full list of their services, see www.knowledgedock.com/index.cfm/pcms/site.Our_Services.Home
Listing ID: 1207
Website: www.lsc.gov.uk/Regions/London/
The Learning and Skills Council exists to make England better skilled and more competitive. Their single goal is to improve the skills of England's young people and adults to ensure a workforce of world-class standard. The LSC is a non departmental public body which began work in 2001, taking over the roles of the former Further Education Funding Council and Training and Enterprise Councils, and are responsible for planning and funding high quality education and training for everyone in England other than those in universities. Various locations around London, listed on their website.
Listing ID: 1208
Freepost NT805, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3SG - Google Maps
Tel: 0345 573252
Website: www.shell-livewire.org
National project providing free information and advice to help people between the ages of 16-30 start up in business.
Listing ID: 1209
33 Queen Street, London, EC4R 1AP - Google Maps
Tel: 020 7248 4444
Email: lc@londonchamber.co.uk
Website: www.londonchamber.co.uk
LCCI was created by businesses in London to help each other and to encourage businesses in London. Their mission is "to help London businesses succeed by promoting their interests and expanding their opportunities as members of a world-wide business network". The Chamber is independent of government, owned and directed by its customers, democratically accountable to 1000s of businesses of all sizes and sectors throughout Greater London.
Listing ID: 1211
Prevista Arts and Culture
Tel: 020 7619 6263
Email: monicaa@prevista.co.uk
Website: www.prevista.co.uk
For individuals and organisations in Camden, Southwark, Islington, Wandsworth, Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster or Lambeth. The MMEDA programme offers free one-to-one support from a business adviser to help you identify your development needs, and put together a training and development plan. Business advisers are all creative sector specialists who understand creativity as well as business.
Listing ID: 1212
Tel: 0845 607 0143
Listing ID: 1213
University of Westminster, Harrow Campus, Watford Road, Northwick Park, Harrow UK, HA1 3TP - Google Maps
Tel: 020 8357 7349
Email: nmk@nmk.co.uk
Website: www.nmk.co.uk
NMK is a business resource for individuals and companies working in interactive digital media, operating across economic boundaries, bringing together knowledge and expertise from higher education, professional bodies and the creative industries, in order to drive forward the UK's new media industry. NMK offers businesses and individuals a rich programme of events, courses, publications and networking activities, all aimed to boost your profitability and facilitate your development in the new media industry.
Listing ID: 1214
Tel: 08459 15 45 15
Listing ID: 1215
Tel: 020 8960 3800
Email: info@pbc.co.uk
Website: www.pbc.co.uk
Listing ID: 1216
Tel: 020 7609 4198
Website: www.prevista.co.uk
Prevista is a fast growing, successful urban regeneration company, which provides management solutions and development services in the UK and European Union.
Listing ID: 1217
Tel: 020 7543 1234
Website: www.princes-trust.org.uk
Listing ID: 1218
Tel: 0845 757 3252
Website: www.shell-livewire.org
Listing ID: 1219
Tel: 0845 6009006
Website: www.businesslink.gov.uk
Govenerment-funded service providing help and information to all sizes of business, whether just starting up or looking to expand. It can put you in touch with specialists such as lawyers and accountants, training providers, or offer individual guidance. Visit the website for free small-business start-up advice, guidance on business regulations, glossary terms and a database of more than 5000 business contacts.
Listing ID: 1220
Tel: 020 7274 9119
Email: southcentral@one-london.com
South Central Business Advice offers a range of services for new and existing businesses in London. You can get help with developing business plans, raising finance, or training; you can also get support from business advisers.
Listing ID: 1221
Website: www.startups.co.uk
Useful and comprehensive resource for starting up and running a small business in the UK.
Listing ID: 1222
The Making Project Office, Civic Offices, London Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 4AH - Google Maps
Tel: 01256 845 679
Website: www.themaking.org.uk
Based in Hampshire, The Making aims to promote contemporary art, craft and design in the South East of England by delivering lifelong learning to people of all ages and skills, the best in professional development of practitioners and teachers, and a dynamic programme of exhibitions that celebrates the ingenuity and diversity of the handmade.
Listing ID: 1225
Website: www.nfea.com
Lists enterprise agencies in London (at www.nfea.com/index.htm?page=find_lea/london.htm), and assists groups (minimum four) into business.
Listing ID: 1226
Selby Centre, Selby Road, London N17 8JL - Google Maps
Tel: 020 8885 5499
Email: selbytrust@aol.com
Based in the heart of Tottenham, the Selby Trust is a multi-purpose community centre housing over 33 voluntary and private organisations that offer a wide range of services to individuals looking to improve their skill base. The Selby Trust also provides, through its community development policy, remit capacity building support to voluntary sector organisations in London. In addition, community economic development policy framework provides support for organisations that wish to develop a social enterprise arm and supports individuals in developing their enterprise ideas. A range of interactive culturally competent workshop and seminars are offered, designed to engage and transfer knowledge and share good practice.
Listing ID: 1227
Website: www.tng.uk.com
Find your local branch on their website.
Listing ID: 1228
14-16 Great Portland Street London W1W 8QW - Google Maps
Frank Krikhaar
Tel: 020 7631 3145
Email: frank.krikhaar@pembridge.net
Website: www.vitalstats.biz
Vital Statisics is a free business support scheme for London-based creative firms.
Listing ID: 1229
Tel: 0247 6581 958
Website: www.wbda.co.uk
Listing ID: 1231
John Danes or Munera
Tel: 020 7514 7536
Fax: 020 7010 0000
Email: j.danes@fashion.arts.ac.uk
The Business Technology Support Centre has been established by London College of Fashion to support small to medium size enterprises in the textiles industry in the East End of London. Provides access to and training on CAD/CAM in designing and manufacturing processes, and training in e-commerce.
Listing ID: 1864
239 Old Street, London EC1V 9EY - Google Maps
Tel: 020 7553 4470
Fax: Fax 020 7251 3130
Email: Enquiries@theinnovatory.com
Website: www.theinnovatory.com
Provider of training for web design, computer design packages and basic computer skills. Day courses can be very expensive, but evening courses are much more reasonable. They also provide access to loans & grants, business improvement planning and general support, events and seminars . They also offer advice on grants available to Hackney-based businesses and sole traders. Grants up to £5000 are available.
Listing ID: 1906
Venue: Oval House Theatre, 52 - 54 Kennington Oval, London SE11 5SW - Google Maps
Michael Atavar
Tel: 020 7582 0080
Email: michael.atavar@ovalhouse.com
Website: www.ovalhouse.com/cn/advisor/index.php
Run by Michael Atavar, the Artists' Advisor is an advice and information service for artists working in theatre and performance. Principally it supports new and emerging artists and has an emphasis on cultural diversity, including disability. The service is free and open to theatre artists working in all areas of London. Particularly encouraged are practitioners who have made some work but haven't been in receipt of public funding and who may feel unsure about how to get their work seen in professional venues.
Listing ID: 1951
2 Acklam Road, London W10 5QZ - Google Maps
Tel: 020 7460 5050
Email: pbc@pbc.co.uk
Website: www.pbc.co.uk
Offers training and funding for business start up for residents of North Kensington.
Listing ID: 1963
Sarah Greig
Tel: 020 8607 4653
Email: sarah.greig@executive-studio.com
Offers impartial practical advice and guidance on information and communications technology. On offer is: a free review of your existing IT systems, with help to purchase and install the right IT solution and access to post implementation technical and business support. You could even qualify for a cash subsidy towards the cost of a new or upgraded IT infrastructure. Skills development training including coaching, support and maintenance. Online business development, broadband connectivity, web presence and electronic trading support. A fully configured personal computer with broadband connection, colour printer, scanner and copier (one per business).
Listing ID: 2021
Orleston House, Orleston Mews, London N7 8LL - Google Maps
Henry Lydiate
Tel: 020 7607 9373
Email: henry@thehenrylydiatepartnership.com
Email: lubna@thehenrylydiatepartnership.com
Email: rob@thehenrylydiatepartnership.com
They offer a range of consultancy and development services specifically suited to the needs of practitioners operating in the creative arts and cultural sections. Services to creative artists include: developing business models appropriate for creative practice; project planning, development and execution; negotiating and managing commissions, exhibitions, performances and events; negotiating with agents, dealers and cultural organizations; dealing with art galleries, museums and collectors; using open source and creative commons material; intellectual property rights awareness and management; mediating to resolve creative arts business disputes.
Listing ID: 2172
Business Development Centre, 7-15 Greatorex Street, London E1 5NF - Google Maps
Jessica Green - CIDA's Project Administrator
Tel: 020 7247 4710
Email: contact@cida.co.uk
Website: www.cida.co.uk
CIDA - the Cultural Industries Development Agency, is a specialist support organisation for the creative and cultural sector offering services to individuals, new and existing businesses and not-for-profit organisations. Also provides a mailing list service for residents of Tower Hamlets/East London.
CIDA's Summer 2007 Programme: First Steps to get freelancers and new businesses moving in the right direction, Creative Business Club offering knowledge through networking and intensive support to existing businesses, Creative Space Agency connecting people to creative spaces in London, Digital Women's Club supporting women wanting to work in the creative digital sector and Sustain to Gain helping arts organisations and cultural groups become more sustainable. Check on website for full details.
Listing ID: 2188
London College of Communication, Elephant & Castle, London SE1 6SB - Google Maps
Email: info@ecca-london.org
Website: www.ecca-london.org
Available free for students and graduates of the University of the Arts London who have either set up their own business in the last 3 years, or are thinking about starting one. ECCA also provides services to new creative businesses based in London. One to one sessions for creative practitioners seeking business advice available.
Listing ID: 2495