Business resource library

SEMLEP has produced a comprehensive toolkit to help employers and business advisers in the South East Midlands to identify support and pathways, and engage with providers to assist with employing people, filling vacancies, upskilling and reskilling employees and developing a talent pipeline for the future. Download the Toolkit

When companies export products or services, long payment terms can often create working capital challenges. The upfront cost of producing, shipping, and delivering the goods can be tricky for businesses to manage. Export finance helps businesses release working capital from cross-border or domestic trade transactions that would otherwise be tied up in invoices or purchase orders (for […]

Business Support Service The Business Support Service is a FREE, virtual, multi-channel advice and guidance service, operating across England, to offer support and signpost you to information on national and local schemes, grants and loans to help businesses start and grow. We help all businesses, from those thinking about starting a business, through to those […]

The new online service from the government offers free advice to employers, tailored to the needs of smaller businesses. What’s in the new service? Guided information for employers to help support disability or health conditions in a range of common workplace situations. Help on legal obligations, including reasonable adjustments. Links to more detailed resources. What […]

We’ve collated a list of online course available in the South East Midlands. These distance learning courses range from childcare to logistics, run by local colleges, universities and other training providers.  

A business plan is a written document that describes your business. It covers objectives, strategies, sales, marketing, and financial forecasts. A business plan helps you to: Clarify your business idea Spot potential problems Set out your goals Measure your progress You’ll need a business plan if you want to secure investment or a loan from […]

Rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted for its apprenticeship provision in 2023, the University of Bedfordshire places strong emphasis on practical and professional skills, alongside high-quality education and training. They partner many organisations whose employees successfully combine work with professional studies. Employers and apprentices are supported by experienced apprenticeship co-ordinators, through workplace visits and regular reviews. […]

Want to develop a new skill to help you get your dream job? Or maybe you want to dig deeper into something you’ve already discovered? Whether it’s a 60-second animated video or a 24-hour course you are after, you will find it on OpenLearn for free. Run by the Open University, OpenLearn is designed to […]

FutureLearn offers a diverse selection of courses from leading universities and cultural institutions from around the world. These are delivered one step at a time and are accessible on mobile, tablet and desktop, so you can fit learning around your life. Created by The Open University and the SEEK Group, FutureLearn believe learning should be […]

The Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy (BESA) provides opportunities for residents in Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough to learn in the community. Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy (BESA) and our partner training providers can support you to access education and training to build skills that will improve employability, support career opportunities, and enhance wellbeing. BESA […]

The Department of International Trade (DIT) helps UK businesses find international opportunities. DIT offers a range of fully funded services to businesses. Who can benefit?  All businesses, nationally. How can I benefit? Fully funded support Creating a free business profile to promote overseas Finding online marketplaces Finding export opportunities Checking duties and customs procedures Accessing […]

A range of resources for businesses looking to open in the Luton Borough area. Who can benefit?  People looking to open a business in the Luton Borough area. How can I benefit? Business support information pack: A single source of information on support service options available locally Business Support Resource Centre Online: A portal offering […]

The team at Invest Milton Keynes can provide information on expanding your business within the city, or give help and support if you are looking to relocate to Milton Keynes. Who can benefit?  Anyone looking to open a business in Milton Keynes, or relocate there. How can I benefit? Tools and resources for those looking […]

To help amplify the voices of rural businesses, the South Midlands Authorities created the rural group. The group is formed of rural representatives from the public, private, and VCSE sectors, offering first-hand rural expertise and local market intelligence. The South Midlands rural group meets once every three months to discuss funding opportunities, upcoming webinar opportunities […]

Milton Keynes City Council has announced that it’s investing more money into supporting women who lost their jobs due to the pandemic back into work. The City Council’s Women into Work scheme is part of its overall £3.1m Economic Recovery Plan to help local people and businesses recover from the financial impact of COVID-19. The […]

Information and resources to help you find job opportunities in a wide range of sectors, including the NHS, adult social care, retail, food production and logistics. Who can benefit?  People looking for employment or a change of career. How can I benefit? Information on financial support while job-hunting Help with mental health, disabilities and long-term […]

Libraries are not just full of books. They are full of ideas. As part of the British Library National Network the Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire is leading a revolution by inspiring a thriving community of new and existing business owners. Whether you are just starting out, need advice on protecting your intellectual property, or […]

The University of Bedfordshire is proud to be an internationally recognised and award-winning institution with a heritage of quality education going back more than 100 years. The University have two main campuses in Luton and Bedford, with a large health teaching provision in Aylesbury at the world-renowned Stoke Mandeville Hospital. At the University of Bedfordshire, […]

The Small Business Commissioner (SBC) is an independent public body set up by Government under the Enterprise Act 2016 to tackle late payment and unfavourable payment practices in the private sector. Launched in December 2017 the Small Business Commissioner, leads an independent office aimed at empowering small businesses in resolving disputes around late and unfair […]

As a result of the stressful and uncertain times that we have undergone recently, and continue to experience, the need to consider the mental wellbeing of yourself and your employees has never been more important. To help you manage this we have produced a guide that offers businesses support and guidance, by signposting the best […]

At DASA, we find and fund exploitable innovation to support UK defence and security quickly and effectively, and support UK prosperity by helping Innovators grow their business. Accessible to anyone from academia or industry who has an innovation that addresses a defence and/or security challenge. Please see examples of the diversity of work we have […]

The WMG SME Group is a multidisciplinary team based in the University of Warwick, pioneering support for innovative UK businesses. Are you a SME manufacturer in the UK? Want to find out what funded support is available? We are helping businesses make more in the UK. We are a team of dedicated experts looking to solve […]

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) supported by Innovate UK has launched a new opportunity to apply for grant funding. The Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP) aims to inspire companies to win new business, develop industrial capabilities, and provide new cutting-edge answers to defence problems at home and abroad, ensuring the UK expands its competitive, […]

SEMLEP has produced a brief guide to apprenticeships for businesses considering taking on an apprentice. This covers: What an apprenticeship is What they involve The benefits of taking on an apprentice How to hire one What help is available to businesses who provide them. Read the Guide here

MK Community Foundation is a leading grant-making charity sending funding where it’s needed most in Milton Keynes. By guiding businesses, philanthropists and charities to the right giving and grants, we’re on a mission for a fairer community. Fairness We seek detailed understanding to make the right decisions Assistance We share our expertise and referrals for those who […]

Led by Positive Mental Health trainers, this interactive training is suitable to all adult professionals and will give an overview of the importance of positive mental health, both in the workplace and at home, how to spot the signs, and how to support you and your peers. There is the potential for an in-depth follow-on […]

Kick Off in Business is a free, fully funded, short online business start-up and self-employment programme for adults (19+) that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home. The courses are designed to give you an insight and understanding of business start-up and self-employment to provide you with the foundational skills should you […]

The University of Bedfordshire understands that organisations require different kinds of support. Whether you need strategic input into your business, or support with developing products, processes and services, the University’s Business Support team can help. Whatever stage your business is at, from start-up to an established SME, whether privately owned, public or not-for profit, the university’s […]

      The Social Investment Fund is funded by Northampton Forward as part of the Town’s Fund and supported by West Northamptonshire Council as a community-driven initiative that aims to provide funding and support for local social entrepreneurs to maximise the impact of the Town’s diverse social enterprise sector. Investment Priorities The Social Investment Fund welcomes […]

NN2NZ Boost for Business (NN2NZ B4B) Programme launched to empower local SMEs towards a sustainable futureThis innovative initiative, aimed at North Northamptonshire (NN) SMEs, is set to help businesses develop tailored carbon reduction strategies and foster a green, thriving local economy. The NN2NZ Boost for Business programme, led by Electric Places and funded by the […]

Net Zero MK Supporting Milton Keynes businesses on their journey to net zeroWhat’s good for the planet is good for business. If your organisation is based in Milton Keynes and you are looking to cut carbon emissions and save money, we are here to help. Net Zero MK is for all small and medium-sized businesses in Milton […]

CBC Business Boost Overcome your barriers to growth Empowering businesses and charities for a sustainable tomorrowCranfield University, in collaboration with Central Bedfordshire Council, has launched a range of fully funded Business Growth and Decarbonisation programmes, including grants. It is funded by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). Through […]

Free Employment Support Service which is available to every resident and employer in West Northamptonshire. We offer support with job searching, CV writing, interview tips, training, starting your own business as well as helping employers grow their workforce. Working with 20+ partners all supporting local residents with the skills they need to find jobs. Promoting […]

Economic Growth & Inward Investment Team West Northamptonshire Council. Our team offers free business support to new and expanding businesses of all sizes across West Northamptonshire. The support includes funding, inward investment, business growth, employment. skills & recruitment & starting a new business. Free dedicated business support from West Northamptonshire Council to help businesses overcome […]

Join North Northamptonshire Council’s FREE business support programme for all businesses and entrepreneurs based in North Northamptonshire. By signing up, you will get access to a variety of events, mentoring, webinars, networking opportunities and specialist support all designed to help your business thrive. This programme is provided by North Northamptonshire Council and delivered by Smarter Society with funding from […]

Delivered by BIPC Northamptonshire through Northamptonshire Libraries, in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council and North Northamptonshire Council, the programme offers free, flexible support to local entrepreneurs, start-ups and small businesses across the county. Running until March 2026, and funded with £310,000 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Build Your Business 2.0 […]

Capital grants between £5,000 and £15,000 are available to help rural businesses within North Northamptonshire become more resilient and support growth. These grants can be used to help businesses invest in equipment or build extensions and alterations. Projects A particular target for the round 2 is rural diversification, including: farm diversification and projects which support […]

North Northamptonshire Community support funding Apply for a grant of up to £25,000 You can apply for a grant of up to £25,000 to support communities with: community building upgrades to improve energy efficiency (e.g. LED lights) community building accessibility and safety (e.g. ramps, rails, paths, lights, signage, etc) internal upgrades to community facilities (e.g. […]

Business Doctors helps businesses with the issues that keep them awake at night. Whether you’re struggling to separate yourself from your business (stuck in the “owner’s trap”), have employee or finance issues, or want to expand but don’t know where to start – we can help. Our friendly, hands-on business support and guidance will help […]

  Are you looking to upskill your team and accelerate business growth?  ​ ​ Businesses located in the Central Bedfordshire area can now benefit from an opportunity to access FREE support delivered by the University of Bedfordshire in partnership with Central Bedfordshire Council. ​ ​ Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), business leaders can access a range […]

The UK Export Academy can support your business to grow by giving you the confidence and know-how to land your first, or next overseas deal. Over 18,000 businesses across the UK have already joined our free training programme. It’s totally free and takes only a few minutes to get started. UK Export Academy | Learn […]

Our team is committed to enhancing engagement with external and internal stakeholders at the University of Northampton (UON). Whether you are an ambitious SME, a charity or a large multinational corporation looking to grow and innovate, our support can significantly impact your organisation. Our dedicated business team can put you in direct contact with experts […]

‘Rated as Good with Outstanding features by Ofsted in 2023’ The University of Northampton apprenticeships embrace the growing development for vocational higher education in England by offering higher and degree apprenticeships specifically designed by industry to respond to high level skills gaps. They bring together the very best in higher and vocational education. As an […]