Support Guides
Support guides
All of our support guides containing concise and up to date information to help guide your business.
Why the Bracknell Business Expo is a Must-Attend Event for Local Businesses
Happening on Thursday 21st November 2024 at the Coppid Beach Hotel, Bracknell this expo promises to deliver everything you need to take your business to new heights. Read more
CODE RED Scheme announced
A new business resilience and continuity trial scheme will back businesses to remain up and running when major threats and emergencies occur. Read more
Berkshire Growth Hub is at Reading Expo in September!
Get ready with us and plan your day at the Reading Business Expo in September Read more
Top 10 AI Tools for SMEs in 2024
As we step into 2024, the landscape of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is increasingly influenced by the innovative capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Read more
Does your Networking Work? Our Top Tips
Whether you’re an old hand at networking, or just dipping your toe in the water, you’ll want a good return on investment from your endeavours. Read more
Adopting Sustainable Practices
By adopting sustainable practices, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Berkshire can not only reduce their environmental impact but also boost profitability and future-proof their operations. Read more
Rural England Prosperity Fund Business Grant Scheme
The Rural Fund supports the aims of the government's Levelling Up White Paper and Future Farming Programme. It funds capital projects for small businesses and community infrastructure. Read more
Making Business Finance Work For You
British Business Bank's "Making business finance work for you" guide is designed to help you make an informed choice about accessing the right type of finance for your business. Read more
Digital Growth Grant
Through a £12m Government grant Barclays Eagle Labs is boosting the growth of UK tech startups and scaleups for the next two years. Tap into an ecosystem connecting you to business growth experts through dedicated programmes, mentoring and much more. Read more
Hiring an apprentice
Apprentices are aged 16 or over and combine working with studying to gain skills and knowledge in a specific job. Find out what the benefits are and how to hire an apprentice. Read more
Green Skills Training in Berkshire
Free green skills construction courses from Langley College to employers in Berkshire to improve the skills of their workforce. Read more
Business tax
Running a business requires you to know about tax - find out the different types and what you might have to pay. Read more
Budgeting and Accounting
Consider the key aspects of budgeting and accounting for your business. Read more
Manage your business dept, improve cash flow and get set for growth
Understand how to stabalise your business and move forward to growth and future success. Read more
Join Help To Grow: Management
Designed to fit alongside work commitments, this programme combines a practical curriculum, with one-to-one support from a leading business mentor and alumni networking sessions. Read more
The Education Landscape – Supporting pupils in local Schools & Colleges
Education Landscape's Guide for Employers will outline all the options you have for working with schools, colleges, universities and young people while providing the benefits of doing so. Read more
Create a marketing plan
Not sure how to write your marketing plan, or even where to start? This marketing plan template guides you through the key aspects you need to cover Read more
Training and employment schemes for your business
Consider the range of government programmes which are available when you are hiring employees, offering work experience or upskilling existing staff. Read more
Marketing your business on social media
Review useful tips on how to market your business using social media. Read more
How to start exporting?
Great.gov.uk provides support and resources to help businesses start exporting. Read more
10 ways to generate more sales leads
To increase sales in your business, generating more leads is key. This guide shows you how to drum up more sales leads for your business. Read more
Employing staff
People are a great resource for your business. It is important to recruit the right staff and to understand your responsibilities as an employer. Read more
GrantFinder
GrantFinder is the leading funding database in the UK covering local, national and international sources of funding Read more
Professional membership organisations
A professional body is an organisation that comprises members who are professionals in a specific sector. Read more
Training and employment schemes for your business
Consider the range of government programmes which are available when you are hiring employees, offering work experience or upskilling existing staff. Read more
Business insurance
Find out what business insurance you might need to protect your company against financial loss. Read more
What is PR?
Find out how you can use PR and encourage customers and journalists to think and speak positively about your business. Read more
10 ways to generate more sales leads
To increase sales in your business, generating more leads is key. This guide shows you how to drum up more sales leads for your business. Read more
Create a marketing plan
Not sure how to write your marketing plan, or even where to start? This marketing plan template guides you through the key aspects you need to cover Read more
Top 10 tips for credit control
Getting invoices paid on time is crucial for your business. Consider these tips to help you manage your cashflow. Read more
Types of Finance and Funding
Find out the range of finance options available for growing businesses.. Read more
Innovate UK
Innovate UK is the UK’s national innovation agency supporting innovation in all sectors, technologies and UK regions. Read more
Which accounting software should I use?
There is a wide range of accounting software available. Consider these key questions before making a decision. Read more
Trade finance for UK exporters
Find our how UK Export Finance can help you win contracts, fulfil orders and get paid. Read more
Making Tax Digital
Understand what you need to do to comply with the HMRC rules for Making Tax Digital for VAT and to find software. Read more
Legal structures for your business
There are different legal structures available for your business. Review our guidance on the different types of business structure Read more
Local authority support
Find out the support provided by each of the six local authorities in Berkshire for businesses. Read more
Online start-up courses
The Start Up Loan Company provides a range of free online courses for anyone who wants to be their own boss or is considering starting a business. Read more
Start-up loans
The Government’s Start Up Loans programme provides finance and support for businesses who struggle to access other forms of finance. Read more
Start your own business – podcast
Prefer to listen? Here's a start your own business podcast Read more
Thinking of trading overseas
The Export Support Service from the Department of International Trade will help with selling your product or service overseas. Read more
Business membership organisations
Each business membership organisation provides something different so it's important to review what you want and which will be best for you. Read more
National Business Support Helpline
Contact the National Business Support Helpline to help with your enquiries when starting a business in Berkshire. Read more
GrantFinder
GrantFinder is the leading funding database in the UK covering local, national and international sources of funding Read more
Be the Business online support tools
Be The Business is a Government funded online service full of use tools, templates and resources to help your business grow and prosper Read more
Business Builder – Digital tool
Business Builder is a digital tool designed to give you the right support at the right time for you and your business. Read more
Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce – International Trade Services
Advice, resources, documentation, workshops and events for businesses looking to export goods and services Read more
Research & Development Tax Credits
Find out whether your business could benefit from R & D tax credits. Read more
Thames Valley Berkshire Funding Escalator
A range of finance options for established and scaling Berkshire businesses Read more
Further finance options for growing businesses
See what other finance options are available for growing businesses. Read more
The Finance Hub
Are you looking to grow your business? Understand the finance options for your business with the British Business Bank Finance Hub Read more
How to start exporting?
Great.gov.uk provides support and resources to help businesses start exporting. Read more
Enterprise Nation – support for small businesses
See the support available from Enterprise Nation for small businesses. Read more
5 key steps to an effective sales strategy
Explore the key 5 key steps to developing an effective sales strategy. Read more
How to build your online business?
The Amazon Small Business Accelerator provides support for building an online business. Read more
Improve your marketing return on investment
See how you can get the best return on your investment for your marketing spend. Read more
Marketing your business on social media
Review useful tips on how to market your business using social media. Read more
What else do I need to consider when starting my business?
When you are starting your business, consider these extra guides to help you succeed. Read more
Recruiting the right people
There are many ways to find the right staff for your business. Consider what your business requires and which approach is best for you. Read more
Employing staff
People are a great resource for your business. It is important to recruit the right staff and to understand your responsibilities as an employer. Read more
Support resources available
Please complete further profile questions in order to access detailed resources tailored to your business needs.