Who can help me?


The first step is to track down good advice and information if you are looking at any aspect of finance for your business.

Probably your single most important source of advice will be your accountant. If you don't yet have one, the best way to choose an accountant (or any other adviser) is by recommendation from trusted business friends and contacts. Our page on Accountants has details of professional bodies who can help you find accountants in your area who specialise in your type of business. Your solicitor can also advise.

Most banks have specific arrangements to help their new business customers. As well as providing overdraft and loan finance many can also provide guidance on financial management and on starting up a business - including how to prepare your business plans.

Business Eye
Business Eye can help you look for business support. Visit the website or telephone: 08457 96 97 98

Wales Tourist Board
If you are part of the Welsh tourism industry this is the website for you. Wtbonline provides information on a number of services designed by the Wales Tourist Board to assist the growth of tourism businesses in Wales.

Guide to Understanding Finance
This guide from LEDU helps you to understand, in broad terms, what financial information sets out to do, how to use financial information to help gain a better understanding of business and to use finance to help in the management of a business.

Financial Times
Website for the Financial Times - simply the best source of business information around. FT.com is another news Web site that is to start charging users. Visitors to the site will be able to view only the latest share prices and selected news stories free of charge. For around £100 a year, subscribers will have access to archived material, sector analysis and financial information. The Lex column will be included in the subscribers-only area.

FIND: Financial Info Net Directory
Internet directory for UK financial services.

Financial Services Authority
The FSA is responsible for the regulation of investment business in the UK, the supervision of banks and listed money market institutions. Useful publications.