The DTI's UK online for business was set up to help British small businesses exploit the business benefits of information and communication technologies (ICT) - a major driver of competitiveness.

All UK online for business Advisers are based on existing Government backed business support organisations: Business Links in England, Local Enterprise Companies in Scotland, Business Connect in Wales, and the IRTU in Northern Ireland. They act as "One-Stop-IT-Shops" for small and medium-sized businesses and offer individually tailored consultancy and advice.

The Small Business Service oversees and partly funds the work of the network of local Business Link offices that operate throughout England. The Business Links provide independent and impartial business advice, information and a range of services to help small firms and those trying to start up new businesses.

NFEA is a network of independent, but not for profit, Local Enterprise Agencies committed to responding to the needs of small and growing businesses by providing an appropriate range of quality services, particular, but not exclusively, targeting pre-start, start-up and micro businesses and assisting in building their ability to survive, to sustain themselves and to grow.

The SBS operates a number of schemes and initiatives that are designed to help small businesses in a variety of ways. These encourage firms to be more innovative, and to exploit new technologies. SBS can help them to get finance more readily. SBS provides ways so that they can make better use of the expertise that is available to them from colleges and other organisations. SBS can help improve business-to-business transactions, and provide ways for firms to measure and improve their efficiency. SBS also tries to answer business questions through their website and a telephone Call Handling Centre.

DTI aims to promote enterprise, innovation and increased productivity - in particular by encouraging successful business start-ups, and by increasing the capacity of business, including SMEs, to grow, to invest, to develop skills, to adopt best practice, and to exploit opportunities abroad, recognising the development of the knowledge economy and taking account of regional differences.

The Learning and Skills Council has 47 local arms. These are responsible for ensuring that the needs of local communities, including the needs of employers and of individuals, are reflected and met.

Local Learning and Skills Councils are responsible for matching learning opportunities to local skill needs, working with business to forecast and prepare to meet these needs. They have the resources and local flexibility to make a difference with discretionary expenditure to support projects that address particular local needs.

The source of ISO 9000 and more than 13 000 International Standards for business, government and society.

ISO is a network of national standards institutes from 140 countries working in partnership with international organizations, governments, industry, business and consumer representatives.

Investors in People UK was established in 1993 to provide national ownership of the Investors in People National Standard and is responsible for its promotion, quality assurance and development. This role now encompasses establishing the Standard internationally.

BSI is a group of complementary businesses - all working together to the same vision of supporting business improvement and trade worldwide. BSI believes in universal adoption of best management practices, reduction of risk throughout the trading process, and the harmonisation and acceptance of international standards by consent as a means of achieving economic prosperity.

The British Quality Foundation is a not-for-profit membership organisation that promotes business excellence to private, public and voluntary sector orn the UK. There are currently over 2000 member organisations of all sizes who have joined since the Foundation began in late 1993.

The Foundation's mission is to be the driving force for sustainable excellence in organisations throughout the UK.

ISO Easy is dedicated to helping organizations understand and implement the ISO 9000 and ISO 9001 standards for quality management systems.

FPB members belong to an organisation that is committed to influencing the laws and policies that affect private businesses and providing members with the support they need to grow profitably.

Management Library

An extensive range of business and management topics covered under 72 category headings

BNI provides a structured and supportive system of giving and receiving business. It does so by providing an environment in which you develop personal relationships with dozens of other qualified business professionals. By establishing this "formal" relationship with other people, you will have the opportunity to substantially increase your business.

web sites made simple with the easy to use, low cost web build facility

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• only £100 (+ VAT) for the first year and £50 (+ VAT) for every year after that.