If you are starting out in business, or running and existing business in the Gloucestershire area, there are numerous sources of advice and information available to you…

• A qualified accountant – check their experience with other businesses like yours (in terms of size, sector, location, particular challenges, etc.)
• HMRC – free advice can be obtained from the HMRC and they have lots of help lines covering all areas
• The web – there are plenty of business forums and articles to be found. Also do your own research including Google searches – it is quick and easy to check out the web sites of potential suppliers
• The relevant trade organisations
• Speak to colleagues and friends to see what works for them – and what doesn’t work! There’s nothing more powerful than a personal recommendation from a trusted colleague
• Your local Chamber of Commerce, Business Link and the Federation of Small Business can often point you in the right direction for advice on specific topics
• Local professional networking groups can be a good forum to meet other business owners who face similar challenges and issues to yourself