The business world is ever changing. To keep on top of the latest trends, it’s important for SMEs to have a resource bank of insider tips and knowledge. We have compiled a list of our top five business resource websites so you have a go-to list of sources to help inform your business practices.
Bdaily was founded in 2009 and provides timely news, advice and opinion content useful for SMEs. What’s good about Bdaily is that you can target news stories for specific regions in England: North East, North West, Yorkshire and London as well as national and international coverage.
If you’re looking for a range of advice for your small business or startup, or even if you’re just in the planning phase, gov.uk has a range of resources: advice on writing a business plan, financial planning and support, and links to the various schemes the government runs.
With a dedicated Q&A section maintained by small business experts, smallbussiness.co.uk is the hub for start-ups and SMEs looking for insider knowledge. The site covers the most important topics and advice for SMEs covering finance, business management and technology.
Established 40 years ago, the FSB provide a wide range of business services to their members. What makes them stand out is their legal edge: online you can access fact-sheets, legal documents and read their blog to get into the nitty gritty of regulations.
A ‘national campaign by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs’: Startup Britain offers inspiration, resources and guidance to help people start and grow their own business. Startup Britain have local support centres and run events which you can find via their interactive map online.
Tenders Direct – Things to help you
For guidance specific to public sector tendering, our ‘Things to help you’ section on Tenders Direct has guides, infographics and handy procurement links to help suppliers with their procurement exercises.
Hello, can you let me know if there are any rules when a public sector body contracts with sole traders? I’m aware there was a HMRC link to a form which had to be completed by the sole trader to ensure they are meeting their tax liabilities but this was pre IR35. Is this still the case?
thanks
Hi Ben,
The new standard selection questionnaire provides a range of ways in which the buying authority can assess the financial viability of any potential supplier.
Our blog outlines this and provides links to the standard selection questionnaire: https://blog.tendersdirect.co.uk/2016/09/30/the-new-selection-questionnaire-the-end-of-the-pqq/
Gemma