Business advisers and advisory resources
Updated 19 August 2015
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1. England
The following list is by no means exhaustive but serves as a good starting point for businesses looking for both intellectual property (IP) and general business advice.
1.1 GOV.UK - business pages
This is the government’s online resource for business. It’s a very comprehensive website that contains subject-specific information guides in many fields including business start up, business growth, tax, finance and basic intellectual property information.
1.2 Local enterprise partnerships
Local enterprise partnerships are led by local authorities and businesses across natural economic areas. They provide the vision, knowledge and strategic leadership needed to drive sustainable private sector growth and job creation in their area.
1.3 Department for Business and Trade (DBT)
DBT is a British government agency that works with UK-based businesses to ensure their success in international markets. They also encourage the best overseas companies to look to the UK as their global partner of choice. Their International Trade Teams can offer basic intellectual property guidance and are located in over 40 local offices around England. Every region also has dedicated sector specialists who can provide support tailored to specific industries.
1.4 Innovate UK Edge
Innovate UK Edge provides information and advice for SMEs from any sector who are ambitious to grow further and scale.
1.5 Enterprise Europe Network – South West England
Provide advice on protecting IP overseas and a range of other business services. They hold one-to-one intellectual property rights (IPR) clinics monthly across the South West, free of charge from an independent expert. See web site for available dates.
1.6 Patent Information Centres
These centres, also known as Patent Libraries, provide users with local access to patent, trade mark, designs and copyright information. Their qualified and experienced staff offer practical assistance on a variety of IPR.
2. Northern Ireland
The following organisations offer business and IP advice to innovators and businesses based in Northern Ireland.
2.1 Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI)
This is the primary source of advice for businesses in Northern Ireland. Its role is to grow the Northern Ireland economy by helping new and existing businesses to compete internationally, and by attracting new investment into Northern Ireland. It principally supports businesses in the manufacturing and tradable services sectors.
Invest NI , part of the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment, delivers strong support to businesses in three main areas. These are supporting innovation for global markets; encouraging investment and re-investment within Northern Ireland; and stimulating entrepreneurial activity. They offer businesses start up and business growth information including intellectual property advice as well as technical advice on industrial and manufacturing standards.
3. Scotland
The following organisations offer business and IP advice to innovators and businesses based in Scotland.
3.1 Scottish Enterprise Intellectual Assets Specialists
Scottish Enterprise work with companies and organisations across Scotland and offer advice, guidance and a one-to-one service tailored to the companies’ individual needs. They advise on intellectual assets management which involves capturing and managing knowledge so that it can be fully realised for commercial advantage.
3.2 Patent Information Centres
These centres, also known as Patent Libraries), provide users with local access to patent, trade mark, designs and copyright information. Their qualified and experienced staff offer practical assistance on a variety of IP.
In addition there is an ongoing programme of sector-specific initiatives which aims to deliver a bespoke service to specific priority industry sectors.
4. Wales
The following organisations offer business and IP advice to innovators and businesses based in Wales.
4.1 Business Wales
This is the Welsh government’s online information service for businesses It is a very comprehensive website that contains subject-specific information guides in many fields of business including start up, business growth, tax, finance and basic intellectual property information.