Business Advice Ashford Borough

The websites and information below can help with information about starting or growing a business in Kent, it is by no means a complete list – there is a wealth of support and advice available in Kent and nationally. Please feel free to get in touch if you require more information or advice just call: 03000 421 163

The South East Business Hub (SEBH) is here to help your business on the path to growth and prosperity. SEBH can connect you with the services that match your business needs and help you make your mark in Englands most enterprising economy.SEBH is provided by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP), the business-led, public/private body established to drive economic growth across East Sussex, Essex, Kent, Medway, Southend and Thurrock.

We invest in research and innovation to enrich lives, drive economic growth, and create jobs and high-quality public services across the UK. We are transforming tomorrow together.

The Department for Business & Trade helps businesses export and grow into global markets. We also help overseas companies locate and grow in the UK. Our services are provided in over 100 markets throughout the world. We are passionate about what we do. Thats why we constantly review our services in light of customer feedback and the impact they offer, which means theyll vary from time to time.

Kent Invicta Chamber is the ultimate business support network in Kent. The Chamber provides, Membership services, Business Advice, International Trade services, Representation and much more. Covering the County of Kent the Chamber is perfectly placed to promote, support and facilitate business across the Count We are the main Chamber of Commerce for Kent and the only British Chamber of Commerce affiliated chamber in Kent. We have a full range of both paid and free, local authority funded business support. Which services are free depends on which local authority you are a resident of or pay business rates in as funding varies in each Local authority. A full range of our free and paid services can be found here http:www.kentinvictachamber.co.ukbusiness-advicelocal-business-support

Prowess is the online hub for women-friendly business support, inspiration and information. Our vision is an environment where women in business can flourish. Be inspired Prowess is full of stories and shared experiences from women who’ve made their own way in business. Everyone has a story to tell. And women who are thinking of starting a business – and those looking to grow – say there aren’t enough stories of real women in business out there. In our recent survey 43% said they wanted to read more experiences and case studies from ‘real’ women in business! Read them here, or submit your own here.

The Digital Resources for the Humanities conferences are a major forum for all those affected by the digitization of our common cultural heritage: the scholar creating or using an electronic edition; the teacher using digital resources as an aid to learning; the publisher finding new ways to reach new audiences; the librarian, curator or archivist wishing to improve both access to and conservation of the digital information that characterizes contemporary culture and scholarship; the computer or information science specialist seeking to apply new scientific and technical developments to the creation, exploitation and management of digital resources.

With the ability to help businesses across all sectors, our team can offer business consultancy services to help you achieve your goals. The Let’s Do Business Group can provide virtual business consultancy services through our team of business professionals and quality assured consultants. Whether its developing a business plan or strategy, coaching or mentoring of senior staff and business owners, or just being a sounding board our team are here to help. We offer a free initial consultation so that we understand your needs, and you get to know us. We will then agree how we will work together and our fees – this could be from a one off session, a short support programme or a longer term project. We also have access to a range of other business specialists to help you with anything from Marketing to HR – so whatever your need, we can find a solution. Contact the team today at https://www.letsdobusinessgroup.co.uk/contact-us or email info@ldbgroup.co.uk

If you've got your business idea but dont know where to take it next, we offer support that can help you learn the skills you need to succeed. How can we help your business to #StartUp? - A free online session with one of our specialist business advisers - A free online session with one of our finance & funding experts - Access to business information fact sheets - Support to apply for a Start Up Loan Get in touch https://www.letsdobusinessgroup.co.uk/contact-us or call 0844 415 2272 (Calls cost 5p/min plus your phone company's access charge. If your mobile tariff allows free calls to landlines, you can call 01424 205 500.) Email info@ldbgroup.co.uk

If you need help with research or a library service, our librarians are here to answer your questions. You can chat with a librarian in real time or send us your question and wait for the answer. Its a bit like going into a library and asking a question in person, but can be done from your computer or mobile device. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but Kent librarians are only available Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm (excluding public holidays).

Kent & Medway Growth Hub offer free advice, information and guidance that will help you to start, grow or improve your business. To get things started you can either fill in a Call Back request using a form on thee page or use the Ask Phil Live Chat facility. Or you can call us using the phone number above.

The Kent and Medway Growth Hub forms part of the South East Business Hub, the South East Local Enterprise Partnership’s overarching business support programme, which also supports local hubs in East Sussex and Essex, Southend and Thurrock. We help new and existing businesses find the most suitable type of business support available in their area.

We have proudly helped businesses in Kent achieve their goals and aspirations since 2005. We can provide you with the support and guidance to grow and improve your business.

A useful section on the Kent CC website. It contains dedicated pages for: Business loans and grants; Doing business with KCC; The opportunity to sign up for email updates; Ask Phil business advice; Start a business; How to deliver services on their behalf; Business awards and events; Chambers of Commerce; Grow your business abroad; and information about the Kent and Medway Growth Hub.

This page on the kent county Council website lists some useful places to find information on how to get started.

From start-ups and small businesses to importers and manufacturers we can help you navigate complex regulations to protect your businesses and support good customer service. We offer a free telephone consultation with one of our officers to discuss your needs. During the consultation, which can last up to 30 minutes, we will identify how we can help you. Depending on your requirements this can range from free signposting to guidance and advice tailored to your business or a full package of support. Any costs will be discussed during the consultation.

Kent International Business (KIB) is a Kent-wide initiative which aims to encourage Kent businesses to export and access overseas markets and to provide information, advice and support to help them do so. KIB is led by Kent County Council in partnership with various business support organisations in the county. KIB is also backed by a range of commercial organisations.

International trade can help businesses grow. There has never been a better time to consider exporting. Kent International Business (KIB) is a Kent-wide initiative which aims to encourage Kent businesses to export and access overseas markets and to provide information, advice and support to help them do so. KIB is led by Kent County Council in partnership with various business support organisations in the county. KIB is also backed by a range of commercial organisations.

The Chamber Business Support team provides an extensive range of services for people starting or running a business. If you are unsure which event is right for you call us on 01233 503838 or visit our Business Advice page at: http:www.kentinvictachamber.co.ukbusiness-advice

Locate in Kent provide free support for businesses to locate and grow in Kent.

Local authorities and other Thames Gateway Kent partners offer a range of services to support businesses in their area. The following links provide more information.

Through the NCMB you have access to practical workshops to get you in a position to better help yourself. Understand what is an entrepreneur, what it means to be your own boss – The NewMe™ and put a plan into action. Through the NCMB you have access to learning, teaching, training programmes together with practical workshops to get you in a position to help yourself.

The University of Kents business incubation and support unit is devoted to helping start-up ventures and early stage companies to increase survival rates. The Hub for Innovation and Enterprise is a purpose-built incubation space for entrepreneurship and enterprise in Canterbury and offers a professional working environment with business support to assist new businesses.

Visit Kent offers free on-site business advice as well as a range of customer care courses and training workshops.

As a Kent business, there is a range of support available to help you grow your business in the way that you want to.