Partners
Partnership is at the heart of the Ready to Start project. We will work with a very wide range of partners both to refer clients onto Ready to Start programmes in locations around the country and to deliver services to enable Ready to Start clients to successfully become self-employed.
Below is a short introduction to some of the partner organisations who are working with Ready to Start and links through to their websites for further information on what they do.
(All links to partners' websites open in a new browser window)
National Partners & Partners providing services in several Regions:
Action for Blind People
Action for Blind People is a national charity that provides practical support to blind and partially sighted people through work, housing, leisure and support. Their vision is quite simple. They believe in a world where people who are blind or partially sighted are enabled to actively participate in society and have equal access to the choices and opportunities that so many take for granted.
Bizfizz
In any community there are people who want to do things, who have a passion - based on an idea, a skill, a hobby or an interest - that they could turn into a business. All they need is a little help, someone to break down the barriers to success. This is BizFizz!
Business Ability / Enham
This is a free and confidential service for disabled people providing information, advice and guidance to help them design and develop their business ideas and progress, with confidence, towards self-employment. The programme supports people living in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Dorset, Surrey, Sussex, Kent and Thames Valley (Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire).
Business in the Community
Business in the Community inspires, engages, supports and challenges companies to continually improve the impact they have on society and the environment.
British Chambers of Commerce
The British Chambers of Commerce is a non-political, non-profit making organisation, owned and directed by its members, democratically accountable to over 135,000 individual businesses of all sizes and sectors throughout the UK.Every
http://www.britishchambers.org.uk
Business Link
They provide practical advice and a brokerage service for start-ups and established businesses around the country.
http://www.businesslink.gov.uk
Exemplas
Exemplas delivers solutions to help organisations all over the world to plan and grow in all areas: change management, people development, leadership and development, diversity management and business performance. They provide services on behalf of one of the premier Business Links in the UK including training and other support services for the county's micro and SME population.
Fredericks Foundation
They aim to help those people with nowhere else to turn realise their potential. This is achieved by providing resources to individuals in order that they may become self sustaining and to contribute to society economically. By far the most common way in which they execute this mission is by assisting individuals when starting their own businesses. They do this by providing loans, buddies and a support package.
http://www.fredericksfoundation.org
Inbiz
Helps put ideas into action and put you on the road to independence, even if you are unemployed and claiming benefits. They can give you all the advice, guidance and practical support you need.
Job Centre Plus
Disability Employment Advisers (also called DEAs) provide specialist support to people who are recently disabled, or those whose disability or health condition has deteriorated and who need employment advice, including self-employment.
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/Customers/Helpfordisabledpeople/index.html
Mind
Mind is a leading mental health charity in England and Wales. They work to create a better life for everyone with experience of mental distress.
National Federation of Enterprise Agencies (NFEA)
The National Federation of Enterprise Agencies is the membership body for Local Enterprise Agencies and other like-minded organisations in England. It forms a network of independent, not for profit, agencies committed to responding to the needs of small and growing businesses, helping develop their ability to start and sustain themselves and to encourage growth and stability.
Prime
PRIME is the only national organisation dedicated to helping people aged over 50 to set up in business. PRIME are a not-for-profit company whose stated aim is to release the untapped potential of 50+ enterprises. While this may not be the route for all, PRIME believes that everyone should have the opportunity for self-fulfilment and independence that working for oneself can provide.
http://www.primeinitiative.org.uk/
Princes Trust
Through practical support, including training, mentoring and financial assistance, the Trust helps 14-30 year olds realise their potential and transform their lives.
http://www.princes-trust.org.uk/
Royal Association for Deaf people
The Royal Association for Deaf people (RAD) promotes the welfare and interests of Deaf people whose first or preferred language is sign language.
Shaw Trust
The Shaw Trust is a national charity that provides training and work opportunities for people who are disadvantaged in the labour market due to disability, ill health or other social circumstances. They are the largest UK provider of employment services for disabled people and support thousands of disabled and disadvantaged people across the UK to achieve their personal development and employment aims.
London
Business Link London
Business Link London is the gateway to all business support available across the capital, both public and private. Helping London’s businesses – businesses like yours, get off the ground, grow and develop to become the strong, thriving entities they are today. They work with hundreds of partners to help deliver this service to you and to provide you with the right solutions for your business.
Capital Enterprise
This is a not-for-profit membership organisation that exists to help businesses start-up and grow through its membership of enterprise support organisations across London.
http://www.capitalenterprise.org/
Disability Hackney
This is an umbrella organisation providing advice, information and practical support for disabled people in Hackney. They provide advice on benefits, employment, transport and mobility. They also signpost to member organisations, including advocacy services and provide training and employment opportunities for unemployed disabled people as well as campaigning and lobbying for improvements to local services.
http://www.disabilityhackney.org
Enfield Enterprise
Enterprise Enfield is an independent, non profit making business advisory and training organisation dedicated to helping both new and established small businesses in North London and Broxbourne.
http://www.enfieldenterpriseagency.co.uk
Eco-actif Services
Eco-actif Services runs a number of innovative and successful programmes, which tackle unemployment and social exclusion amongst the most marginalized and vulnerable residents of the 6 South London Boroughs, Sutton, Merton, Bromley, Croydon, Kingston and Richmond.
http://www.ecoactifservicescic.co.uk
GLE One London
GLE oneLondon provides a wide range of business support to people thinking of starting their own business and to these looking to grow their business. They finance, advise, mentor and train thousands of people every year to start and grow their businesses.
http://www.gle.co.uk/onelondon/
London Development Agency
LDA will tackle the barriers to enterprise start-up, growth and competitiveness. They want to maintain London's position as a key enterprise and trading location; to support new business start-ups and medium-sized business growth.
One London Enterprise agency
GLE One London provides a wide range of business support to people thinking of starting their own business and to those looking to grow their business. They finance, advise, mentor and train thousands of people every year to start and grow their businesses.
http://www.glegroup.co.uk/onelondon/
Wandsworth Care Alliance
We want everyone who uses local services, or cares for someone who does, and local voluntary organisations to have the opportunity to take part in ongoing discussions with the providers of statutory services.
South East:
Banbury & District Chamber of Commerce
This is an apolitical organisation whose purpose is to provide information, representation and support to local businesses, both small and large, which choose to work with us through membership.
http://www.banburychamber.com/
Business Link for Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire
They provide practical advice and a brokerage service for start-ups and established businesses.
http://www.businesslinksolutions.co.uk
Business Boffins
Get your business off to the best possible start with our university-accredited support and mentoring services.
http://www.businessboffins.com
Colin Sanders Innovation Centre
The Innovation Centre in Banbury, Oxfordshire has been completely refurbished and provides premises for software, IT, knowledge-based and creative businesses. Oxfordshire Business Enterprise and Business Link are also based at the Centre.
Enterprise Gateways
The Enterprise Gateway has been set up to provide free help for people wanting to start up a new business in or around Dover, Canterbury and Thanet
http://www.eastkent.enterprisegateway.net/?page_id=3
Folkestone http://www.folkestonegateway.com
New Romney www.romneyenterprisegateway.net
Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group
With over 2500 members, we are one of the largest accredited Chambers in the UK. We hold more than 240 events per year, ranging from networking get-togethers to formal dinners, and offer a wide range of cost-saving, support and business development services.
South West
Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire
Provides the single largest source of business assistance in Berkshire and Wiltshire.
Business Link Wessex
Specialises in helping businesses across Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to develop and grow.
http://www.businesslinkwessex.co.uk
Business Link West
The West of England's leading business information site. Latest news, event information and a comprehensive guide to all services offered by Business Link West and The Bristol Chamber of Commerce & Initiative.
Business Link Gloucestershire
Advisers provide impartial advice and information on any aspect of business.
http://www.glos.businesslink.co.uk
Business Link Somerset
Helping businesses in Somerset compete, develop and grow in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
http://www.businesslinksomerset.co.uk
South Hampshire Enterprise Agency (SHEA)
Business Advice & Information, Innovation Service, Training, Seminars and Workshops, ‘Women Into Business’ Training, Workshops and Networking, Premises & Accommodation.
Enterprise Plymouth Ltd
Business advice, business volunteer mentors, training in key business skills and overseeing the ‘Small Business Fund’. A panel meets every month to consider applications to the Fund for loans from small businesses based within the City boundary.
http://www.businessadvicecentre.co.uk
Bristol Development Agency (BRAVE)
BRAVE Enterprise Agency, based in central Bristol, offers a great deal of business help and can assist with: expert advice on specific business needs; business training; guidance on sources of money; opportunities to meet others and network; premises at low cost; on-going support once you’ve started.
Great Western Enterprise (GWE)
GWE Workspace provides office and workshop space for small businesses, Business Link provides advice to small businesses in Berkshire, Wiltshire and Swindon communities.
Enterprise South Devon
Enterprise South Devon’s primary role is to assist with the establishment of small to medium sized businesses throughout the Teignbridge, Torbay and South Hams areas of South Devon.
http://www.enterprisesouthdevon.co.uk
WTCS (West Country Training Services) Ltd
Specialises in helping people who are disadvantaged in the labour market to gain and sustain employment.
Plymouth Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)
PCCI is a non political, not for profit organisation whose sole aim is putting Plymouth business first helping you build your business through a programme of networking and business events and by being the source and conduit of crucial business information and intelligence.
http://www.plymouth-chamber.co.uk
Southampton & Fareham Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Southampton & Fareham Chamber of Commerce is a partnership of nearly 2,000 businesses torepresent the interests and promote the competitiveness of all businesses, in and around the Southampton City region.
http://www.soton-chamber.co.uk
Businesswest (Incorporating Bristol, Bath and South Gloucestershire Chambers of Commerce):
Swindon Chamber of Commerce
http://www.swindon.gov.uk/business-swindonchamber
Exeter Chamber of Commerce
Provides a focal point for industry and commerce in much of Devon.
http://www.exeterchamber.co.uk
Finance South West
If you're based in the South West of England, or want to be and have a new business idea to launch. Or maybe it's a product or service that you've developed and now is the time to get it into the market place. You’ve got a plan, you know what you want to do – but can’t find all the finance to make it happen. If so, Finance South West could help.
http://www.financesouthwest.co.uk
Regional Language Network South West
The Regional Language Network South West offers free advice to businesses on developing a successful foreign language and cultural strategy to improve your performance in international markets.
Social Enterprise Link
Social Enterprise Link, a partnership between Co-active Limited based in Plymouth, Co-operative Futures based in Gloucester, Social Enterprise Works in Bristol and Business Link, is aimed at social enterprises that are already trading or at the very beginning of the process and looking to create or expand their trading activity.
New Entrepreneur Scholarships Programme (NES)
The New Entrepreneur Scholarships Programme (NES) helps people living in disadvantaged areas to start in business. NES aims to overcome difficulties by providing a comprehensive package of support, mentoring and funding in order to encourage and support the start-up and growth of new businesses. All business ideas within reason are supported, and social enterprise ideas are particularly welcomed.
Areas covered in the South West: Bournemouth, North Devon, Swindon, Bristol, North Somerset, West Cornwall, Gloucester, Plymouth
The Business Advice Centre (Southampton)
Advice, support, development services and training to local businesses, most of which is free or heavily subsidised. Funded through the Regeneration Partnership, their aim is to encourage an entrepreneurial culture by providing tailor made advice, training and support.
Tel 023 8033 1123
Kennedy Scott (Southampton)
'Confident to Work' can help you increase your confidence and provides appropriate employment advice from people who understand your needs. The project lasts up to 13 weeks, is provided free of charge and does not affect your benefits.
hampshireinfo@kennedyscott.co.uk
Link 2 Learn Partnership
The Link 2 Learn partnership is a network of providers of information, advice and careers guidance for adults (over 19's) of Hampshire and the cities of Southampton and Portsmouth.
The service is currently available at nearly 200 sites and is supported by the Link 2 Learn website. For full details of the service log onto the internet or call in at a site.
Southampton Advice and Representation Centre
Free advice and information on all welfare benefits, employment law, representation at employment and social security tribunals and housing benefit reviews.
BEDF - Bristol Enterprise Development Fund
BEDF provides loan finance for new and existing businesses. Loans are available to help those with a viable business proposition who have not been unable to raise sufficient finance to put their plans into action. The area covered is Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset.
Employment Opportunities (Bristol)
Employment Opportunities aims to help you back towards work through: confidence building; experience and skills assessment; skills development, such as communications and IT; work experience and supported work opportunities.
http://www.opportunities.org.uk/peoplewithdisabilities
Work-in-Progress (Bristol)
Seeks to create real employment opportunities for people with disabilities; in particular, people who have experienced mental health problems.
http://www.work-in-progress.org.uk
East Bristol Enterprise - Easton Business Centre Extension (ERDF)
'Access to Enterprise' project helps local people into self employment or starting their own business, and also provides workshops and offices to support an individual's business dream in becoming a reality.
http://www.bristolurban.org.uk/ebc.html
Centre for Employment and Enterprise Development (CEED) - Bristol
CEED is involved in training, advice and counselling, enterprise and other economic development initiatives aimed at ‘Opening up Opportunities’ for disadvantaged clients in the areas of employment, training and education.
Start-up Loans (Young Entrepreneurs Development Loan Fund) - a capital start-up and expansion loan for certain types of business.
Bristol East Side Traders (BEST)
Formed in 1999 by a group of local entrepreneurs they offer a range of free services including confidential business advice, help to find the right finance and marketing advice to new and existing businesses in Ashley, Easton and Lawrence Hill.
http://www.bristoleastsidetraders.co.uk
The Greenway Centre – Bristol
Business Link in partnership with the Southmead Development Trust is offering free, managed workspace. New small businesses that qualify may get rent free office accommodation.
Tel: 0117 950 3335
Fax: 0117 950 5933
Bristol Enterprise Centre (BEC)
Bristol Enterprise Centre (BEC) is a business incubator established by the University of Bristol to encourage the establishment and growth of technology-based businesses.
http://www.bris.ac.uk/research
The Vassal Centre
Provides work space for voluntary organisations that offer services to disabled people; is being progressively regenerated by a Development Project to create ultimately a totally barrier-free space; makes it possible for disabled people to work on equal terms with others.
Future plans will include serviced spaces for rent to disabled entrepreneurs seeking to set up their own business
Tel: 0117 9659630
Plymouth Business Growth
Aims to develop a strong, dynamic economy in Plymouth that provides opportunities for all by encouraging business start-ups and improving business survival rates.
Plymouth Business Advice Centre (BAC)
The Business Advice Centre was opened in 1999 with specialist facilities for training and counselling new businesses. Experienced accredited business advisers offer confidential free and impartial advice.
http://www.businessadvicecentre.co.uk
University of Plymouth Enterprise
Provides access for businesses to the University of Plymouths expertise, resources and facilities.
http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/businessservices
Disability Employment and Training Advice (at Plymouth Guild)
The Disability Employment and Training Advisor (DETA) provides information and support to disabled people who are: having difficulties with their current employment because of a disability or health problem; looking for work (considering self-employment); looking for training or learning opportunities.
http://www.plymouthguild.org.uk/disability-advice
Devonport Business Support Service (Plymouth)
Devonport Business Support provides independent advice and support to both established businesses in the New Deal for Communities area and residents wanting to start their own business.
Eastern:
Business Development Services
Business Link East
Business Link East is the gateway providing access to a comprehensive range of independent, impartial advice to would-be entrepreneurs and businesses across the region.
Dial Basildon
Information and advice for people with disabilities.
http://www.dialbasildon.co.uk/
Disability Enterprise Support Trust (Destiny)
Destiny provides support and funding to people with disabilities who are starting or developing their own business. Its mentoring service enables clients to explore business ideas, feasibility and viability.
East of England Development Agency
The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) is the driving force behind sustainable economic growth and regeneration in the East of England.
Essex Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber is a fully independent body offering a comprehensive range of business services and plays a crucial role in representing Members' views at local, regional and national level.
http://www.essexchambers.co.uk/
Incredit
They provide free business start up and self employment training will give you the opportunity to explore and develop your business ideas and access to free, professional business advice and support in a friendly and informal atmosphere.
Ipsenta
ipsenta is the leading enterprise agency and source of business advice in Suffolk
Mid Essex Enterprise Agency
We provide a wide range of services many of which are provided free of charge. If you are just thinking about starting your own business or need help to grow an existing business then we provide all the help you need.
http://www.midessexenterpriseagency.co.uk/
Optua, Suffolk
Their mission is to enable and empower people to be their best, whatever their disability.
Peterborough Enterprise Agency
They are dedicated to helping you develop your idea into a viable business.
http://www.cambsenterprise.co.uk
Southend Enterprise Agency
Southend Enterprise Agency was established in 1985 in order to promote business start-up, self-employment and enterprise in Essex.
http://www.southend-enterprise.com/
Suffolk Artlink
Suffolk Artlink works in partnership with arts, care and community organisations to create opportunities that enable people of all abilities to access, enjoy and participate in the arts.
http://www.suffolkartlink.org.uk/
Suffolk Development Agency
It is an agent for economic development and regeneration and was set up to draw together organisations and individuals within the private, public and voluntary sectors with responsibility for, and the capacity to influence, the development and performance of the Suffolk economy and to improve the economic prosperity of the county.
Thames Gateway Partnership
TGLP is a strategic and lobbying organisation
East Midlands:
East Midlands Development Agency
Their shared vision is that by 2020 the East Midlands will be a flourishing region. A region made up of growing and innovative businesses. A region where skilled people are employed in good quality jobs. A region where we all feel part of healthy, inclusive communities and live in thriving, attractive places.
Nottingham Business Venture
Established in 1982, since when over 60,000 potential business start-up clients have been assisted by NBV throughout Nottinghamshire.
Central Midlands
Advantage West Midlands
As the Regional Development Agency, our role is to lead the economic development of the West Midlands, working alongside a wide range of public, private and voluntary sectors partners to help our region to prosper - building upon our many strengths and addressing our unique challenges.
Queen Alexandra College
Queen Alexandra College is a national college for people aged 16+ with visual impairment and other disabilities.
West Midlands:
Access 2 Business
A local, monthly networking event for members designed to ensure that business gets done and not just talked about.
http://www.access2businessuk.com
Business Link West Midlands
Provides practical advice and a brokerage service for start-ups and established businesses.
http://www.businesslinkwm.co.uk
Hereford & Worcester Chamber of Commerce
Established in Worcester in 1832, the Chamber of Commerce has been the voice of business in the two counties ever since, actively promoting trade, lobbying for members' interests and facilitating training and workforce development.
Mid West Rural Enterprises
The members of the group have extensive expertise in all areas of enterprise including business start up, social enterprise, rural enterprise and enterprise in education. The company will also work closely with other organisations in the community committed to the same ethos.
http://www.midwest-rural.org.uk
North Worcestershire DIAL
DIAL's Information and Advice Services provide information and advice services to disabled people and others on all aspects of living with a disability.
South Worcestershire DIAL
DIAL's Information and Advice Services provide information and advice services to disabled people and others on all aspects of living with a disability.
Worcester County Council Access & Inclusion Service
Works to support disabled people in higher and further education in Worcestershire.
http://worcestershire.whub.org.uk/home
Worcester Volunteer Centre
Worcester Volunteer Centre promotes and supports the local voluntary and community sector
.http://www.worcestervolunteercentre.org.uk
Work in Progress
Seeks to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities and in particular those who have experienced mental health problems.
Yorkshire & Humberside:
Bradford Chamber of Commerce
Bradford Chamber is run by its members for its members and our aim is to provide a range of professional high quality services to enable you to run your business effectively and provide support where you need it.
http://www.bradfordchamber.co.uk
North Yorkshire Forum Voluntary Organisations (NYVFO)
NYFVO is a registered charity formed and run by voluntary and community organisations in York and North Yorkshire to promote, develop and support new and existing forms of voluntary and community action; and to ensure that their views and interests are well represented.
Teesside Business Schoo
lThe Centre for Enterprise is the first point of contact for business support enquiries and solutions.
Yorkshire Forward
Yorkshire Forward is the Regional Development Agency charged with improving the Yorkshire and Humber economy.
http://www.yorkshire-forward.com
West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency
For over twenty years the WYEA has been supporting people setting up in business.
North East:
Fin Enterprise Support
Offer free and confidential advice to assist anyone wishing to step into self-employment.
http://www.enterprise-support.co.uk
Five Lamps
The Five Lamps Organisation is one of the largest community led social and economic regeneration businesses in the North East of England.
Northern Pinetree Trust
Offers free home-based support for people with a long term illness or disability throughout the wholeof the North East. They offer clients a comprehensive range of services, all of which are designed to help them consider life free from benefit dependency.
http://www.northernpinetreetrust.co.uk
One NorthEast
One NorthEast is the Regional Development Agency (RDA) covering North East England, comprising Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, County Durham and Tees Valley.
North West:
Business Link North West
Whether you've got a business idea and want to know how to put it into action or you simply want to find out more about what it takes to be your own boss and live the dream... you've come to the right place.
http://www.businesslinknw.co.uk
Deafway
Deafway is a registered British charity based in Preston, Lancashire providing a unique and expanding range of services to D/deaf people in Preston, Lancashire and from across the UK.
Bolton Business Ventures
With a portfolio of business loans, managed workshops and serviced office centres which provide incubator space for new and growing businesses, and a team of professional business advisers, BBV provides high quality relevant and valued business support services.
ELECT
Elect is an award winning social enterprise that offers business advice to people in the Merseyside area.
North West Development Agency
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the economic development and regeneration of England's North West.
Tomorrow's People
Help break the cycle of unemployment so that people can take positive control of their lives and build a brighter future.
http://www.tomorrows-people.co.uk
Warrington Chamber of Commerce
The Warrington Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the foremost organisation supporting and representing business in Warrington and Vale Royal. Established in 1876, the Chamber has been serving local businesses for 130 years. It is a local, independent, non-profit making and non party-political organisation, funded by membership subscriptions.
http://www.warrington-chamber.co.uk
Warrington Disability Partnership
Warrington Disability Partnership (WDP) is an independent, user led Social Enterprise committed to valuing everyone's life skills, experience and individuality to enable positive change.
http://www.disabilitypartnership.org.uk/
Blue Orchid
Blue Orchid is a North West based Business Start Up Support and Training organisation. We operate mainly in Manchester, Liverpool and Cheshire on a variety of government funded business support programmes. To find out more about how we can help you please contact Jan Foster 0845 0170896 or 0161 4854949
http://www.theblueorchid.co.uk/
Enterprise and Inclusion
Enterprise and Inclusion is a pilot project to develop entrepreneurship and self-employment skills. The project will provide a range of support that enables those who face multiple barriers to consider the option of self employment. It will help develop business proposals and business skills, ultimately leading to the production of business plans, and by the end of the programme, the necessary skills needed to start in business. If you live in the Merseyside area and want to find out more please contact Rosina Ndukwe on rosinandukwe@expandinghorizons.co.uk
Ready to help?
Ready to Help utilises a network of financial experts, business entrepreneurs, disability groups and personal buddies from Barclays to support the initative around the UK.
Find out how you can help:
