Self-employment

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Law, your questions</U></A>   |   <B>Self-employment</B>   |   <A HREF="id35.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Basic roghts work"><U>Basic roghts @ work</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id36.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Employment status and contracts of emplo"><U>Employment status and contracts of employment</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id37.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Rights to pay"><U>Rights to pay</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id38.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Maternity rights at work"><U>Maternity rights at work</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id39.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Dismissal"><U>Dismissal</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id40.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Dismissal and benefits"><U>Dismissal and benefits</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id41.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redundancy"><U>Redundancy</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id42.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bank and public holidays"><U>Bank and public holidays</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id43.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Holidays and holiday pay"><U>Holidays and holiday pay</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id27.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="IP Law"><U>IP Law</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id26.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bibliography and Links"><U>Bibliography and Links</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Me"><U>Contact Me</U></A></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=370 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> Self-employment</div> <div> Why become self-employed</div> <div> There is encouragement from the government for people to become self-employed and at first it seems attractive, especially if you have recently become unemployed or redundant. Although one of the main attractions of becoming self-employed is no longer having to work for somebody else there are several disadvantages you should consider. These include not being certain of having a regular income, having to arrange your own sick pay and pension and probably having to work long hours.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="what_kind_of_business"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>What kind of business</div> <div> If you are considering self-employment and do not already have an idea of what you want to do, you could consider something which uses your experience or skills or something which you have previously done as a hobby. As well as the organisations listed in this information (see under heading <U>Who can give further advice</U> ) you may be able to get ideas by looking at books and leaflets in the local library or job centre.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="training"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Training</div> <div> Training in either practical or management skills may be necessary. Training is available from a variety of sources such as courses run by the organisations listed in this information (see under heading <U>Who can give further advice</U> ), evening classes at local colleges, books.</div> <div> See <U>Government schemes for unemployed people</U> .</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="how_to_trade"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>How to trade</div> <div> If you are considering self-employment, you will need to discuss with one of the organisations listed under heading <U>Who can give further advice</U> the different ways of trading and which would be most appropriate for your business. The business could take one of three legal forms:-</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011866000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">a sole trader. This is the simplest way of starting a business</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011866000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">a partnership. This is similar to a sole trader except that two or more people run the business</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011866000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">a limited company. This gives the business a completely separate identity from the people who run the business. It is more complicated to set up.</div> <div> In addition to one of the above legal forms, self-employment can also involve one of the following trading practices:-</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011866000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">a co-operative. This is a business which is collectively owned and controlled by the people who work in it. At least two people must be involved</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011866000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">a franchise. A franchise is an agreement which allows the person buying the franchise the right to run a branch of a business that someone else has set up.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="finance"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Finance</div> <div> As a self-employed person, you will need enough money to live on as well as money to start up the business and keep it going. You may be able to get money from the following sources:-</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011866000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">family or friends</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011866000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">grants from charities or trusts</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011866000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">loans from banks and building societies.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="bookkeeping_and_accounting"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Book-keeping and accounting</div> <div> It is extremely important that accurate and detailed records of the business are kept. You may be able to keep your own books or employ a bookkeeper or accountant, but if you are trading as a limited company you will need the help of an accountant.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="income_tax"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Income tax</div> <div> As a self employed person, you will be taxed differently to an employee. You will be responsible for paying income tax on your earnings and will usually need the help of an accountant. There are special tax reliefs and allowances which self-employed people can claim.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="value_added_tax"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Value Added Tax</div> <div> Value Added Tax (VAT) is a tax on goods and services which is paid to Customs and Excise. Whether or not a self-employed person has to pay, and in some cases has the right to choose to pay, VAT depends on the type of business and how much the business sells.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="premises"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Premises</div> <div> You could consider trading in the following ways:-</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011866000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">from home. This has the advantage of low costs but you will need to make sure that the tenancy agreement, mortgage agreement or title deeds of the property do not place any restrictions on business use. You may also need to get local authority planning permission. In Scotland, local authority refers to the District and Islands Council</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011866000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">from premises you have bought or rented. You should consider how much space you need as well as heating, lighting and ventilation requirements. You need to make sure the property has been approved for business use. Planning permission may also be necessary. If you are considering buying or renting premises you should see a solicitor</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011866000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">from a market stall. The local authority will have details of where and when these are available and how much local markets charge. In Scotland, local authority refers to the District and Islands Council</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011866000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">at craft fairs. The local authority will be able to give details of where and when these are held. In Scotland, local authority refers to the District and Islands Council.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="health_and_safety"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Health and safety</div> <div> As a self-employed person you have a duty to make sure that your business premises and working environment meet health and safety requirements. Further information about health and safety requirements is available from the local health and safety executive or environmental health department of the local authority. In Scotland, local authority refers to the District and Islands Council.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="insurance"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Insurance</div> <div> Depending on the business and how you trade, you will be required by law to take out certain types of insurance. Other types of insurance are not compulsory but it is important to consider which ones are appropriate. The types of insurance you may need are:-</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011866000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">employer’s liability insurance. If you employ other people you must have this insurance. It provides cover for claims made by employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their employment</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011866000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">vehicles insurance. Vehicles used for business purposes must be insured even if already insured for private use</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011866000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">public liability insurance. This provides cover against claims by members of the public who have been injured or had property damaged as a result of carelessness at work by you or your employees</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011866000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">premises insurance. Insurance will be necessary for the premises you work from, even if you work from home and there is already a policy. This is because the insurance will usually only cover residential use</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011866000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">contents, stock and materials insurance. This insurance will be necessary to cover the replacement costs of stock, materials and the contents of the premises even if is work is being done from home and there is already a home contents insurance policy</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011866000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">health and accident insurance. These will pay a regular income or lump sum if you are unable to work because of an accident or sickness.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="pensions"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Pensions</div> <div> As a self-employed person you will get state retirement pension if you have met the contribution conditions.</div> <div> See <U>Benefits for people aged 60 or over</U> .</div> <div> You could also consider getting a private personal pension.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="immigration_status"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Immigration status</div> <div> Setting up in business may affect your immigration status and you should therefore consult an experienced adviser before doing so. To search for details of your nearest CAB, including those that can give advice by email, click on <U>nearest CAB</U> .</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="employing_other_people"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Employing other people</div> <div> If you employ other people you will be responsible for paying wages, tax, national insurance contributions and working families’ tax credit or disabled person’s tax credit where relevant. You will have to meet the requirements of employment law and health and safety regulations.</div> <div> For more information on the responsibilities of employers, see <U>Basic rights at work</U> .</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="national_insurance_contributions"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>National insurance contributions</div> <div> As a self-employed person you may have to pay national insurance contributions for yourself and any employees. Whether you have to pay contributions for yourself, and if so what type, depends on how much you earn. Whether contributions have to be paid for any employees depends on what they earn. The payment of contributions will affect the benefits a person can claim in the future. You can contact a telephone helpline for information about national insurance contributions, statutory sick pay and statutory maternity pay on 0845 714 3143.</div> <div> For more information about national insurance contributions, see <U>National insurance contributions and contributory benefits</U> .</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="benefits_working_families_tax_credit_and"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Benefits, working families’ tax credit and disabled person’s tax credit</div> <div> As a self-employed person you may be able to claim benefits, working families’ tax credit or disabled person’s tax credit, depending on your income and other circumstances.</div> <bR> <div> To check what benefits, working families’ tax credit or disabled person’s tax credit may be available, see <U>Introduction to benefits, working families’ tax credit and disabled person’s tax credit</U> .</div> <bR> <div> If you are self-employed you should consult an experienced adviser, for example, a Citizens Advice Bureau, for help in working out how much benefit, working families’ tax credit or disabled person’s tax credit you are entitled to. To search for details of your nearest CAB, including those that can give advice by email, click on <U>nearest CAB</U> .</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="trading_names_and_licences"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Trading names and licences</div> <div> You need to consider whether you wish to use a trading name for the business. If so, there are restrictions on the names businesses can use. You may also need to get a licence depending on the type of business. For organisations that can advise on trading names and licences see under heading <U>Who can give further advice</U> .</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="who_can_give_further_advice"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Who can give further advice</div> <div> Banks</div> <div> All the big banks have sections which specialise in helping small businesses. Most produce free leaflets.</div> <div> Chambers of Commerce</div> <div> Chambers of Commerce are local organisations which give information, advice and training to businesses in their town or area. Most give free advice to members, but charge for services to non-members. Some Chambers of Commerce serve particular ethnic minorities.</div> <div> Small Business Service</div> <div> The Small Business Service is a government agency providing general information on starting up a small business. It operates the Business Link National Contact Centre, which is a website designed to deliver information and advice to small businesses in the UK - see below. It also operates a freephone for small businesses:-</div> <div> Tel: 0845 600 9006 (8am-8pm, Mon-Fri)</div> <div> Minicom: 0845 606 2666</div> <div> Website: <U>www.businesslink.org</U> </div> <bR> <div> The Small Business Service operates a network of local providers throughout the UK, which can provide independent and impartial advice. These are provided through Business Link in England, Business Connect in Wales, Small Business Gateways in Lowland Scotland, Business Information Sources in Highland Scotland and Local Enterprise Development Unit (LEDU) for Northern Ireland.</div> <div> Local Enterprise Development Unit (LEDU)</div> <div> LEDU House</div> <div> Upper Galwally</div> <div> Belfast</div> <div> BT8 4TB</div> <div> Tel: 028 9049 1031</div> <div> Fax: 028 9069 1432</div> <div> Email: ledu@ledu-ni.gov.uk</div> <div> Website: <U>www.ledu-ni.gov.uk</U> </div> <bR> <div> In Northern Ireland, the Local Enterprise Development Unit (LEDU) gives general advice, counselling and support to small businesses about setting up a business, trading status, sources of finance, finding premises and preparing a business plan. Grants are also available.</div> <div> The Countryside Agency (England only)</div> <div> The Countryside Agency can help small businesses in rural areas. The agency has identified ‘priority areas’ in which their services are available. You can contact the agency to find out if you are in a priority area. Normally the agency only helps manufacturing or service industries and businesses employing less than 20 skilled employees. The agency can help with the purchase and management of village shops, where there is only one shop in the village, and will also give advice to small tourist businesses such as bed and breakfast establishments. The agency will not help agricultural and horticultural businesses. The address of the Countryside Agency is:-</div> <div> John Dower House</div> <div> Crescent Place </div> <div> Cheltenham</div> <div> Gloucester</div> <div> GL50 3RA</div> <div> Tel: 01242 521381</div> <div> Fax: 01242 584270</div> <div> Website: <U>www.countryside.gov.uk</U> </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Local enterprise agencies (England, Wales and Northern Ireland only)</div> <div> Local enterprise agencies give free general advice and support to small businesses. Training courses are also available, which are often free. Details of local enterprise agencies are available from the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies - see below.</div> <div> Northern Ireland</div> <div> Enterprise Northern Ireland</div> <div> Workspace</div> <div> Draperstown</div> <div> County Derry</div> <div> Tel: 028 7962 8113</div> <div> Fax: 028 7962 8973</div> <div> Email: info@workspace.org.uk</div> <div> Website: <U>www.workspace.org.uk</U> </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> National Federation of Enterprise Agencies (England and Wales only)</div> <div> Trinity Gardens</div> <div> 9-11 Bromham Road</div> <div> Bedford</div> <div> MK40 2UQ</div> <div> Tel: 01234 354 055</div> <div> Website (general): <U>www.nfea.com</U> </div> <bR> <div> Website (for business advice): <U>www.smallbusinessadvice.org.uk</U> </div> <bR> <div> NFEA is a network of local enterprise agencies in England and Wales. Its general website has details of how to find your nearest local enterprise agency.</div> <div> Scottish Enterprise Network</div> <div> The Scottish Enterprise Network can give details of Local enterprise agencies and provide other assistance.</div> <div> Scottish Enterprise</div> <div> 120 Bothwell Street</div> <div> Glasgow</div> <div> G2 7JP</div> <div> Network helpline: 0845 6078787</div> <div> Website: <U>www.scottish-enterprise.com</U> </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Local authority economic development units</div> <div> Some local councils have set up units which give advice and help to businesses in their area. Some have bilingual advisers and are intended particularly to help ethnic minority small businesses. They tend to be mainly in inner-city areas. The advisers are employed by the council and will usually have a business background or related skill, such as banking or accountancy.</div> <div> National Federation of Small Businesses</div> <div> England and Wales</div> <div> Whittle Way</div> <div> Blackpool Business Park</div> <div> Blackpool</div> <div> Lancs.</div> <div> FY4 2FE</div> <div> Tel: 01253 336 000</div> <div> Fax: 01253 348 046</div> <div> Website: <U>www.fsb.org.uk</U> </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Scotland</div> <div> 74 Berkeley Street</div> <div> Glasgow</div> <div> G3 7DS</div> <div> Tel: 0141 221 0775</div> <div> Fax: 0141 221 5954</div> <div> Website: <U>www.fsb.org.uk</U> </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Northern Ireland</div> <div> 20 Adelaide Street</div> <div> Belfast</div> <div> BT2 8GB</div> <div> Tel: 028 9051 7024</div> <div> Fax: 028 9051 7120</div> <div> Email: nireland.policy@fsb.org.uk</div> <div> Website: <U>www.fsb.org.uk</U> </div> <bR> <div> The National Federation of Small Businesses is a pressure group which promotes the interests of all self-employed people. There are a number of regional offices and many local branches. There is a subscription fee.</div> <div> The Federation publishes a free magazine and runs a legal fees and advisory scheme, which provides 24 hour legal advice, and various insurance schemes.</div> <div> British Franchise Association</div> <div> Franchise Chambers</div> <div> Thames View</div> <div> Newtown Road</div> <div> Henley-on-Thames</div> <div> Oxon RG9 1HG</div> <div> Tel: 01491 578049</div> <div> Fax: 01491 573517</div> <div> The British Franchise Association (BFA) is the trade association for franchising companies. It was set up to promote franchising and establish standards. To join, franchising companies have to show that their franchise works and they have to agree to abide by a code of ethics designed to protect franchisees.</div> <div> The BFA produces an information pack (£29 including postage and packing, 2000) for prospective franchisees which includes a list of checks to be made before buying a franchise.</div> <div> The Prince’s Trust</div> <div> England and Wales</div> <div> 18 Park Square East, </div> <div> London NW1 4LH</div> <div> Tel: 020 7543 1234</div> <div> Freephone helpline: 0800 842 842</div> <div> Fax: 020 7543 1200</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Scotland</div> <div> Prince’s Scottish Trust</div> <div> 6th Floor</div> <div> Mercantile Chambers</div> <div> 53 Bothwell Street</div> <div> Glasgow G2 6TS</div> <div> Tel: 0141 248 4999</div> <div> Fax: 0141 248 4836</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Northern Ireland</div> <div> Midland Building</div> <div> Whitla Street</div> <div> Belfast</div> <div> BT15 1JP</div> <div> Tel: 028 9074 5454</div> <div> Fax: 028 9074 4666</div> <div> The Prince’s Trust helps young unemployed people aged 18-30 to set up their own businesses. In Scotland the age limit is 18-25 only. The Trust can give loans, on-going business advice and help with marketing. The Trust is particularly interested in helping people from ethnic minorities, disabled people and ex-offenders.</div> <div> Livewire</div> <div> England and Wales</div> <div> Livewire</div> <div> Hawthorn House</div> <div> Forth Banks</div> <div> Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 5JG</div> <div> Tel: 0191 261 5584</div> <div> Fax: 0191 261 1910</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Scotland</div> <div> Livewire Scotland</div> <div> 79 North St David's Street</div> <div> St Andrew's Square</div> <div> Edinburgh</div> <div> EH2 1AW</div> <div> Tel: 0131 524 9545</div> <div> Fax: 0131 524 9544</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Northern Ireland</div> <div> 103-107 York Street</div> <div> Belfast</div> <div> BT15 1AB</div> <div> Tel: 028 9032 8000</div> <div> Fax: 028 9043 9666</div> <div> Livewire is a national scheme sponsored by Shell, to help young people aged 16-30 to set up in business. Young people with projects can discuss their ideas with local advisers and financial awards may be given. There is usually a closing date for the scheme each year. Each entrant to the scheme will be paired to an adviser who will help them on an individual basis to plan and develop their business idea.</div> <div> Instant Muscle (England, Wales and Northern Ireland only)</div> <div> Springside House</div> <div> 84 North End Road</div> <div> London</div> <div> W14 9ES</div> <div> Tel: 020 7603 2604</div> <div> Fax: 020 7603 7346</div> <div> Instant Muscle is a charity which helps unemployed people to set up their own businesses or find a job. It provides training, practical advice, help with preparing a business plan, and individual business counselling. Instant Muscle also offers help and support during the first two years of trading.</div> <div> Industrial Common Ownership Movement</div> <div> Vassalli House</div> <div> 20 Central Road</div> <div> Leeds</div> <div> LS1 6DE</div> <div> Tel: 0113 246 1737</div> <div> Fax: 0113 244 0002</div> <div> The Industrial Common Ownership Movement (ICOM) is the national federation for worker co-operatives. They produce model rules and model employment contracts which are used by most co-ops in the UK. They give advice on setting up and running a co-operative, community business or community enterprise, particularly on the legal requirements necessary. ICOM publishes several leaflets and booklets about running a co-op including a Beginners Pack, and newsletter. ICOM has close contact with over 80 local support agencies. ICOM provides training courses. There is a subscription fee to join ICOM.</div> <div> Northern Ireland Small Business Institute (NISBI)</div> <div> Enterprise House</div> <div> University of Ulster at Jordanstown</div> <div> Shore Road</div> <div> Newtownabbey</div> <div> BT37 OQB</div> <div> Tel: 020 9036 5060</div> <div> Fax: 020 9036 5117</div> <div> The Northern Ireland Small Business Institute (NISBI) is a general resource and expertise centre for small businesses, co-operatives and community enterprises. It provides counselling and business advice.</div> <div> NORIBIC Business Innovation Centre (Northern Ireland only)</div> <div> Asylum Road</div> <div> Londonderry</div> <div> BT48 7DX</div> <div> Tel: 01504 264242 (24 hours)</div> <div> Fax: 01504 269025</div> <div> The NORIBIC Business Innovation Centre provides help for new businesses throughout N. Ireland in evaluating projects, preparing business plans for small businesses, finding premises, arranging finance, grants and subsidies, and finding new business ideas. It can also give advice on new technology.</div> <div> Development Board for Rural Wales (Wales only)</div> <div> Ladywell House</div> <div> Newtown</div> <div> Powys</div> <div> SY16 1JB</div> <div> Tel: 0686 626965</div> <div> Fax: 0686 627889</div> <div> The Development Board is responsible for the economic and social development of mid-Wales. It provides advice and support to small businesses, including advice about setting up in business, preparing a business plan, advising on whether the business idea is viable and can help investigate sources of money, find suitable premises and set up financial control systems, for example, book-keeping. The Board runs training courses, and provides advice locally through a number of Business Centres.</div> <div> Rural Development Council (Northern Ireland only)</div> <div> 17 Loy Street</div> <div> Cookstown</div> <div> County Tyrone</div> <div> BT80 8PZ</div> <div> Tel: 028 8676 6980</div> <div> Fax: 028 8676 9922</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Equality direct (England only)</div> <div> Equality direct runs a free, confidential advice line for employers. It provides advice and information on equality issues and general people management. The advice line number is 0845 600 3444. There is also a website at <U>www.equalitydirect.org.uk</U> .</div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>