Starting a business
Starting your own business can be a big challenge, but if you
prepare yourself with the right information beforehand and use all
the support and networking opportunities available to you, you can
give yourself a much better chance of succeeding.
There are many sources of help and advice, including the
The business and enterprise section of the council website has
lots of useful information, from finance to health at work to your
impact on the environment.
Useful resources if you are starting a business
COBRA
Log onto the library’s COBRA database, the Complete Business
Reference Advisor: Cobra is a database for people who are looking
at setting up their own business. It holds lot of information and
practical help on anything from being an occupational therapist to
a dog washer, with lots of advice about how small businesses
operate and the nuts-and-bolts needed to set one up and keep it
running.
The City Business Library
This is an excellent resource for those setting up on their own.
They provide support to all, including job seekers, sole traders,
new start-ups, entrepreneurs and SMEs. They offer free workshops
and research help from professional staff.
Westminster libraries
Have an extensive collection of business information, with four
Business Information Points, which include specialist book
collections and online databases. The largest of these is
Westminster Reference Library.
Kensington & Chelsea Chamber of Commerce
This is a local organisation that helps and supports local
businesses both large and small; develops and maintains high level
contacts with the local council; and provides monthly networking
events for members and guests to network and socialise.
Useful websites