 The
impact of the ongoing economic situation
for town centres everywhere is well
publicised. The current climate is making
it much harder for all businesses and
especially retailers.
The Council and Stretford Town Centre
Partnership are committed to trying to
help businesses in the town and if, as a
business, you have any suggestions about
how either the Partnership or the Council
can assist, then please do get in touch to
discuss these so we can work together and
see if they can be taken forward. Please
contact 0161 912 4384 in the first
instance.
Trafford Council’s website
www.trafford.gov.uk/business provides
information and services for businesses
and also links to other useful websites
that assist businesses. During this
difficult period of time, business
ratepayers are being encouraged to apply
for business rate relief. Over 1,400 local
businesses in Trafford receive help under
the small business rate relief scheme. And
some businesses receive a reduction in
their bill of up to 50 per cent. More
details of how to apply for this help, or
any of the other kinds of relief available
to business ratepayers can be found at
www.trafford.gov.uk or by telephoning
the Business Rates Section on 0161 912
2346.
A partnership of the 11 local authorities
across Greater Manchester, Blackpool and
Blackburn with Darwen has resulted in the
Ask about Business initiative which
provides business information across a
network of participating libraries –
Trafford’s is in Altrincham Library. The
project is designed to help pre-start and
new businesses as well as existing
businesses, inventors and business
students. In addition, the specially set
up website offers a host of practical
information and guidance.
Business Link - Open for Business
You may have read in the
media recently speculation over the future
of Business Link. The Coalition Government
is committed to replacing Regional
Development Agencies with local enterprise
partnerships, and reviewing the delivery
of business support in the future. We are
working closely with the North West
Development Agency during this transition.
In the meantime Business Link remains the
government's support service for business
and we will continue to offer the same
quality and level of support to local
businesses in the North West.
We are still very much open for
business
Business Link Northwest is a free-to-use,
independent business support, advice and
information service, available to
businesses across the North West.
Whether you are already in business and
want to grow, or if you are thinking about
starting a business...we can help!
We provide relevant up-to-date information
and advice on business issues such as,
sales and marketing, starting or expanding
a business, access to finance, managing
people, innovation, technology and
exporting.
This free service can be accessed via
telephone, online, or face-to-face for
more in-depth support.
Online
Our website is bursting with information
and a range of interactive tools on
everything you need to start and grow a
business. Sales, marketing, social media,
financial management and employing people
are just some of the topics covered.
Simply visit:
www.businesslink.gov.uk/northwest and
start your journey now.
On the phone
Speak to an experienced and impartial
business adviser in confidence today. Call
0845 00 66 888 to discuss your business
issues, receive relevant and specific
business information and get the support
you need.
Face to face
If required one of our qualified and
experienced advisers can visit you at your
convenience.
In addition, the organisation, Business
Support Solutions -
www.chamber-link.co.uk also offers
advice, information and resources to help
businesses and works closely with the
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.
You can contact them on 0845 608 3388.
The
Federation of Small Businesses
promotes and furthers the interests of the
self-employed and small business sector.
There is also the
Business
Debtline, a national charity that was
formed in 1991 to provide free,
independent and confidential money advice.
They also offer many helpful tips on money
management for businesses through their
website. If you would like to speak to
someone direct, you can phone free on
Freephone helpline number – 0800 197 6026
for confidential, impartial advice. |
