General Business Advice and Networks
Business Link East
Business Link East can help your business by giving you instant access to clear, simple, and trustworthy information. It is developed in partnership with subject experts within government and relevant business-support organizations to help businesses comply with regulations and improve performance. They can assist businesses new to the UK and Harlow in such areas as:
- employing people
- finding customers
- tax issues
- environmental legislation
- international trade
- understanding regulations in your sector
- finding networking events and support near you.
Contact: 08457 171516
Banking on Essex
Launched in June 2009, the initiative is a lending framework providing secured or unsecured loans of up to £100,000 to eligible businesses in Essex. It also provides support services including planning and guidance, available through Business Link. Contact: 0800 0561998 bankingonessex@alliance-leicester.co.uk
Beyond 2010
The programme offers small to medium sized businesses in the region funding and support for higher level training opportunities. Businesses can access up to 50% funding towards a course.
Contact: 01245 433075
Essex Chambers of Commerce
A member organisation providing support to companies including networking, business directors, free legal advice, translation services and international trade events.
Contact: 01206 765277
Federation of Small Businesses / Essex
There are 3,600 members in the region who benefit from support, directories and a programme of events in the area.
Contact: 01277 365244
SCEE (Smart Club East of England)
Originally formed to provide an opportunity for networking, the organisation has developed more widely into running events and providing guidance.