Start ups - making the most of free professional advice

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Here's how to get the most out of free, professional support and advice...

According to independent research, small businesses account for 47.1% of UK employment (almost 11 million jobs) and 37.2% of turnover (£967.2 billion).

In addition, home-based businesses make up 24% of the UK workforce and contribute an incredible £364 billion to the annual economy. However, the report claims that small businesses need more support and advice from the government on a wide range of issues, including HR, finances, sales and marketing.

Mike Bowman, Head of MORE TH>N BUSINESS said: "There is a massive pool of freely available advice that is currently not being fully exploited."

To assist, MORE TH>N BUSINESS has prepared a list of starting points and recommendations for start-ups to further explore:

1. Industry Bodies, Forums and Associations - Great source of professional support and advice across education, training and sector specific issues. The Glasgow Chamber of Commerce (GCoC), for example, is a significant business aid and advice centre for Small Businesses based in the Glasgow area which organises Business Seminars, Networking and Support events on a regular basis for its members.

2. Banks and Financial Institutions - Provided you don't sign on the dotted-line, utilising all the expert advice from financial organisations regulated by the FSA is a brilliant way to get a head start and it's free. A bank manager or an independent financial adviser will be able to assess your current needs and identify potential financial options for you to consider.

Also, banks often have offers available aimed at making the finance side of starting your business as easy as possible.

Lloyds TSB for example, offers eighteen months free banking for start-ups and also a range of information and guidance services, including a free Business Planning Tool to get you started and a book-keeping system when you open your account (Mac, PC or paper-based), a free start-up guidance book 'Getting started in business' and other business guides covering a range of situations.