View the latest business rates accounts.

You can contact the government’s Business Support Helpline for free advice.

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 0800 998 1098

Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm (except bank holidays)

Find out how to set up a limited company, appoint directors and shareholders or guarantors, and register for tax.

Instagram today is a huge social media channel which can bring many opportunities for business. With an estimated 1.074 billion monthly active users you can guarantee that your customers are following accounts they love on Instagram, and if you want your brand to be seen then you should be there, too. Find out how to use Instagram to boost your business.

The King’s Award for enterprise showcases some of the outstanding achievements of businesses within innovation, international trade, sustainability and opportunity through social mobility. Nominate your business for a chance to receive the award.

The Prince’s Trust offers help to young adults looking to start their own business. If you’re 19-30 years old and living in the UK they could help kick start your business ideas.

Changes to UK company law signifies changes for Companies House. New measures will introduce identify verification, broaden powers over company creation and data, improve financial information on the register etc. Visit the Government website to find out more.

Get free access to 1-to-1 coaching, mentoring and networking opportunities.

The NatWest Accelerator supports and empowers UK entrepreneurs to scale their businesses to the next level.

If your business is facing tough times and you need extra support or different services than normal, Barclays may be able to help, take a look at their guides for coping with financial difficulty, health challenges, life events and improving your digital skills.

Practical guides to support you in developing your business – from starting-up and managing it day to day, to growing and trading internationally.

The business travel platform for companies on the move – join for free.

If you’re looking for ways to offer your employees affordable travel, Arriva’s Corporate Annual Travel tickets could be the answer.

The Government has published a draft guidance to help employers improve their employees’ understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) so they can use it safely in their day-to-day role, by setting out the key knowledge, skills and behaviours they should have.

Discover practical advice from experts on how to grow your business.

Explore the potential of your business with the Discover Digital Transformation Training Programme by STFC Hartree Centre.

Handy guide to data protection covering some of the key points you need to know and think about when getting started.

If you’ve got your business idea but don’t know where to take it next, the Let’s Do Business Group offer support that can help you learn the skills you need to succeed.

Looking to make your small business more productive and efficient? Tech Hub can help. Free diagnostic tool to identify digital tools and technology that can boost your business.

Helping entrepreneurs to navigate the funding landscape.

Cyber security advice for businesses, charities, clubs and schools with up to 250 employees.

Government site sharing information on starting up, business tax, running a limited company and other support.

This guide aims to support prospective grant applicants to submit high quality proposals, giving them the best chance of success.

Funded programmes for people who want to improve the world.

Supporting women-led businesses to succeed at Series-A with a fully-funded programme from KPMG.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) digital tool to help businesses estimate what registering for VAT may mean for them.

With a host of free nationwide and regional in-person events, webinars and more, Business Finance Week helps smaller businesses learn about the different finance options available to them to support their individual needs.

Understand the basics for employers to facilitate home working, including risk assessments, accidents in the home environment and more.

Helping you start and grow your business. Offering a busy programme of free events, workshops and one-to-ones with our team of specialists, as well as access to the largest collection of business and intellectual property (IP) information in the UK, including market research, funding and company information.

Essex County Council have created an employment guide to support employers considering increasing the diversity of their workforce.

Self-employed? Wondered what you need to know about pensions? Find out more here with a helpful guide from Aviva.

Offer free and impartial advice for employers and employees on workplace rights, rules and best practice.

The charter provides a set of minimum principles that Essex employers should meet to be deemed family-friendly. Setting out how parents and carers can manage their caring and work commitments.

Do you employ delivery drivers? If so, you have a duty for their health and safety. The EFDC’S Environmental Health team have produced a free document on how to ensure your drivers are being kept safe.

Resources for HR and recruitment professionals.

Offer a number of ways for employers and volunteers to get involved with the Careers Hub, from sharing your career journey and insights with young people in schools and colleges, offering experiences of your workplace, to supporting school leaders with their strategic careers programmes.

Part of the Essex Wellbeing Service, Working Well provides Essex businesses with free workplace health and wellbeing support.

This support, commissioned by Essex County Council, consists of a Working Well Accreditation, alongside other free options: Mental Health Aware Programme, Small Business HR Support and Mental Health First Aid England Training.

A charity which provides free independent occupational health advice to businesses within Harlow.

Creating a sustainable business action plan can help future proof your business and support wider climate action goals. The free advice pack provides tips and ideas to help your business thrive whilst keeping its impact on the environment low.

The UK Business Climate Hub provides net zero advice for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK.

There are a number of product labels that certify low carbon emissions or other beneficial environmental actions. These help customers gain trust in your sustainability credentials. These marks and labels can help your business improve its operations and earning potential. Find out more on the UK Business Climate Hub website.

Information on the Workplace Charging Scheme, eligibility criteria for applicant organisations and how to apply.

The ETL scheme helps UK businesses and the public sector to make greener energy choices. It’s free to use and backed by the Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. As one of the world’s largest databases of energy-saving technology, it provides easy access to around 8,000 tested and stringently assessed energy efficient products.

Learn how to sell your products or services worldwide. Pick online and in-person events that are right for you. And benefit from live presentations from experts, workshops and networking opportunities.

Provides guidance, training and tailored support to help ambitious businesses in the UK grow internationally.

This could include expanding your business’s footprint, working in new regions, finding the right technology and tools, or managing exports and international trade.

The site is packed with useful information, advice and case studies which will help you fight crime affecting businesses, staff and their interests.

Free support from Essex Police for local businesses, helping prevent business owners, staff and customers from falling victim to crime.

Free advice and tips from Essex Fire Service on how to keep your business safe.