Some expert advice could be just what you’re looking for. A basic guide to seeking business advice and support. Your growing business might just depend on it

Growing businesses need all the help they can get

If you run your own business, the chances are that you’re always thinking about how you can grow your business, too. But where do you start? In today’s business environment, there are hundreds of complex issues to deal with across all aspects of your business – such as sales, software, business finance, premises and people management.

And with employment legislation changing regularly, and many other issues that can affect you becoming even more complicated by the week, it’s important to know that you’re always doing the right thing – for your business, and for your staff.

So it makes sense to get all the help you can.

One of the best ways to make sure you do the right thing, and to ensure your business stays on course for growth, is to seek expert business support, advice and guidance. And inside this guide, you’ll find out just how valuable good business support could be to your business.

In fact, the future growth of your business could depend on it.

Small businesses in the UK – the facts

Small businesses are a big part of the UK’s economy, and for that reason alone, there is lots of support available if you are growing or expanding your business.

Here are a few quick facts that help put the UK small business scene into perspective…

· There are around 4 million small businesses in the UK – and this figure is growing each year.

· 97% of all small businesses in the UK employ less than 20 people.

· 95% employ less than 5 people.

· 12 million people in the UK work for a small business.

· Around half a million people start a business each year.

· Small firms contribute more than 50 per cent of the UK’s GDP – that’s about £500billion.

· 90% of commercial innovation and new ideas come from small businesses.

· Over half of the UK’s private sector workforce are employed by small businesses.

Source: Federation of Small Businesses, January 2005