Business Advice Poole

Borough of Poole can help you start or grow your business by making business regulations easier to access and understand. Initial advice is always free of charge and could save you money in the long run. Detailed advice, visits or consultancy may incur a charge but we can advise you on how this would apply. If for any reason we are unable to provide you with the advice you require we can point you in the direction of others who will assist you.

No business can succeed without advice! Whether you are starting out in business, a growing business or fully established and moving forward to achieve your planned goals you will require support. The BDP is designed only for the small and medium sized company. Part of this programme is a Free initial business health check. We pride ourselves, and a further benefit to you, is that we not only identify the source of any problems but we also implement the solutions to those problems.

We provide health & safety advice, and support, including writing policies, procedures and risk assessments. We can undertake monthly site inspections for office, shops, factories, warehouses and construction sites. We also provide health & safety training, both at your workplace and on-line. We undertake Fire Safety training and Fire Risk Assessments at commercial and domestic properties, and also on construction sites. We also undertake legionella testing, and PAT Testing. For those in the construction trade, we also help with gaining CHAS accreditation and pre-contract questionnaires.

Dorset Growth Hub offers professional guidance t oambitious Dorset pre-starts, start-ups, micro-businesses and SME's looking to grow. Our team prides themselves on our trusting and human approach. It’s in our nature. Our mission is to offer impartial and tailored guidance to each client. We deliver this in engaging, friendly and open dialogue. This is what makes us different. We thrive on successful and tangible results. These results are the smaller steps towards achieving the bigger picture - to increase and improve Dorset’s economy and employment through knowledge, experience and shared learning. Something we are proud to be a part of.

WSX Enterprise has worked in partnership to secure a 3 year business support programme funded by the European Regional Development Fund. The core services of the existing Dorset Growth Hub (funded by the DLEP through BEIS) will be at the heart of this delivery, providing the web platform, telephone advice service and initial diagnostic (this local information is supplemented with links to content on external sites such as www.gov.uk ) Additional support on offer will be provided through dedicated strands of activity including: - pre-start and start-up support - supporting growth - improving digital capabilities - accessing finance - mentoring The programme is led by WSX Enterprise and the Dorset Growth Hub with a range of support partners. The main consortium partners are WSX Enterprise Ltd, The Arts Development Company, Dormen, Silicon South, YTKO (incl. Outset & GetSet for Growth) The Partnership includes the following Local Authorities: North Dorset, Christchurch and East Dorset, Weymouth & Portland, West Dorset, Bournemouth Borough Council, Borough of Poole, and Dorset County Council.

The Dorset Business Mentoring programme (Dormen) recognises that running your own business has its challenges whether you are a sole trader or employ up to 200 people. Established in 2005 Dormen is one of the UK’s most established mentoring programmes, providing business owners and entrepreneurs across Dorset, Poole and Bournemouth with one-to-one mentoring support, skills workshops, and a mutually supportive community. Our team of over 100 mentors have supported over 1400 businesses to date. We serve about 160 clients at any one time on a renewable annual basis, providing high quality, professional and confidential support through any stage of your business journey. If you are just about to set up your business, you are best to reach out for a mentor once you have established trading for about six months. Working with a mentor then enables you to review your aims and strategy, to discuss how things are going and any issues arising. Your mentor will act as an objective sounding board for your ideas and help you develop the skills you and your business need to achieve your measure of success. Mentoring is universally relevant to all types of business and helps reduce risk while increasing successful outcomes. As you start your business you may want to bear in mind a compelling statement borne of research by the Federation of Small Businesses: 70% of mentored businesses are twice as likely to survive their first five years as un-mentored businesses, and all businesses are more likely to thrive and grow. In addition independent research by the Winchester Business School, focussing on the impact of the Dormen programme, clearly demonstrated the benefits to businesses and their owners – particularly in terms of helping them to focus on priorities, review business strategy and pursue their plans with greater confidence. More than half the businesses surveyed improved their sales by 21.57% over the year. What does it cost? Dormen is a not-for-profit programme, funded by local authority partners. In consequence our service is accessible to all business owners as we only charge a nominal administration fee of £200 for a full year of mentoring. We also provide regular skills courses exclusively for clients free of charge. So reaching out for a Dormen mentor represents the opportunity for astounding return on investment, as well as sleep filled nights. We welcome all enquiries by phone, and also encourage you to look at our website which includes FAQ’s and a variety of case studies. If you would like to apply for a mentor please fill out the form in this link: http:www.dormen.org.ukwant-a-mentorrequest-a-mentor

We work with small and medium sized businesses, social enterprises and other organisations across the south of England from our operational bases in Dorset and South Hampshire. Our team includes expertise in starting up & growing your business, ongoing business support, enterprise, business mentoring, skills, sustainability, innovation and design.

Our new in business course. Designed to help you succeed! When youre starting in business its important that you get the essentials right. These comprehensive, two day courses provide information and guidance to help deal with the key issues that are going to be fundamental to the performance and success of your business. They are delivered by experienced trainers - real business people who will give you the opportunity to ask questions and invite discussion. The courses are provided for people planning on starting a business or those who have recently started.

We work in partnership with businesses, local government, education institutes and other industry and community organisations to drive economic growth, attract funding and investment, increase productivity and develop local industrial strategies for Dorset. Our priorities are to: Create new jobs; Attract new businesses and grow existing ones; Secure funding for projects that have long-term economic benefits; Support businesses; Develop skills, employment and career opportunities; Support the development of appropriate housing. Dorset LEP, 6th Floor, Poole House, Fern Barrow, Poole, Dorset BH12 5BB

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.

Starting a business is a rewarding, challenging experience. But it's one that you don’t have to face alone. Whether you’ve got a business idea that you would like to explore further, or you’ve been trading for up to a year, we can help you gain the advice, knowledge and funding needed to improve your chances of success. From one-to-one support, to workshops, to advice on start-up loans, we can help.

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 Connected Dorset Group has been long established as a sub-group of the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership. The aim of the group in partnership is to promote an efficient and reliable transport infrastructure and high speed communications system - designed to help facilitate local economic growth by creating the right conditions for more highly skilled jobs and housing.

Advice and guidance to assist you in setting up your business in Dorset.

WSX Enterprise has worked in partnership to secure a 3 year business support programme funded by the European Regional Development Fund. The core services of the existing Dorset Growth Hub (funded by the DLEP through BEIS) will be at the heart of this delivery, providing the web platform, telephone advice service and initial diagnostic (this local information is supplemented with links to content on external sites such as www. gov.uk ) Additional support on offer will be provided through dedicated strands of activity including: pre-start and start-up support; supporting growth; improving digital capabilities; accessing finance, and mentoring. The Enterprise strand is a dedicated team to help pre-start and young businesses with a range of interventions including short workshops and more in depth courses as well as one-to-one support from an Enterprise Specialist. The programme is led by WSX Enterprise and the Dorset Growth Hub with a range of support partners. To access support contact #talktotony on 03454 586480 or visit www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk

The Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is a business led private and public sector partnership that aims to promote local economic growth and prosperity. Acting as a strategic gateway to funding, Dorset LEP supports and delivers projects of long term economic benefit for all in Dorset. Business support activity is directed through the Dorset Growth Hub which offers access to a wide range of business advice and support services. For more information visit www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk or call 03434 586480.

Poole officially achieved Fairtrade Town status at the end of July 2016. This prestigious award is in recognition of our commitment to promoting Fairtrade products and principles. Poole’s Fairtrade steering group meets regularly and you can find out more by e-mail: fairtradepoole@gmail.com

All premises concerned in the manufacture, preparation, storage, distribution or retailing of food, including market stalls, delivery and mobile vehicles, are required, by law, to register with us and to notify us of changes. Any new businesses must register at least 28 days before it opens. The obligation to register rests with the owner of the business. It is an offence for an existing food business not to be registered and failure to do so may result in prosecution.

Invest in Dorset is a team of economic development professionals across Dorset dedicated to helping companies and investors identify investment and expansion opportunities in and around Dorset. It helps provide businesses support tailored to their needs, whether it is by providing information, making introductions and helping them form a network or helping to find suitable premises. Whether you are thinking about starting a new business, expanding your operations, relocating, or seeking a UK base, Invest in Dorset can help you. Invest in Dorset will ensure you get the best advice on current financial assistance and all the support you need to be as successful as you want to be.

Simple, effective, strategic business advice, that will rapidly transform your business, and accelerate your profits. If you’re a new entrepreneur, small business or startup that wants to stand out from the crowd, we can teach you the critical and less well-known success factors that guarantee to massively shift your progress.

Simple, effective, strategic business advice, that will rapidly transform your business, and accelerate your profits. If youre a new entrepreneur, small business or startup that wants to stand out from the crowd, we can teach you the critical and less well-known success factors that guarantee to massively shift your progress. We show you how to differentiate your business, really understand your market, get new customers and grow sales. Make your dreams a reality!

Poole Enterprise Library is located in Poole Central Library. It includes a public meeting and information area and a seminar room off the main library, equipped with an interactive projector. The meeting and information area offers: Access to business books, magazines and periodicals; Space for you to work andor hold meetings; Free access to Wi-Fi and public computers for library members. The seminar room is available for use by entrepreneurs, small businesses and business support groups. If you would like to find out more about these facilities please contact Nell O’Hora at n.ohora@poole.gov.uk Poole Enterprise Library also offers access to FREE online resources to support businesses. COBRA can be accessed from home or from the work place with your library card and MintUK is available through public computers in any Poole Library.

Poole Town Centre has much to offer all year round and not only does Poole boast fantastic dining and drinking facilities, a shopping experience not to be missed, it also offers family fun for all to enjoy. Poole Town Centre is rich in history, character and as a destination offers an experience you’ll never forget. Tel: 01202 262641 E-mail: info@pooletowncentre.com

Where do I start … what shall I do first … who should I talk to … Is it just us, or do you feel that way too! There are so many things going on and you want to make sure that you make the right choices. We understand exactly what you are feeling. Sometimes it is hard to make a decision, or to decide what path to choose, so why not talk to us and let us help you. We have a huge network of people that we can call to ask that all important question, making sure you get the answers so you can make an informed choice for the future.

Silicon South is an ambitious not-for-profit organisation dedicated to accelerating the digital economy in Dorset – one of the fastest growing creative and digital hubs in Europe. We deliver projects, manage investment, nurture new talent, and encourage cross-industry collaboration to make Dorset the best place for digital and creative organisations to thrive.

We help and inspire ambitious manufacturers to develop their capabilities and enter new markets. Established in 2002, we successfully design and deliver national and local business support projects and improvement programmes to increase manufacturers’ productivity, improve operational efficiency, develop skills and maximise growth potential.