Firstly, apologies for the formatting of this blog. I wrote it in Word and then copied it into the blog entry page which wouldn't allow me to format the text, well it would but it wouldn't keep the formatting when published and due to the length of this blog, I didn't fancy completely re-writing it.

Ok, so now for the blog!

I am sure most of you are aware that is a lot of free business advice and resources available to us aspiring entrepreneurs, but since speaking to a number of people at various networking events, I was amazed at the number of people who are not aware of these resources which is why I thought I’d write this blog.

I have been aware of Business Link for several years now and when I finally decided to take the step to setup my own business I approached them for free business advice. I was informed by them that as I had not yet started my business they could not help me but advised me to contact Enterprise Enfield.

I visited Enterprise Enfield at the start of the year and had a free 1 hour session with a business advisor that asked me a lot of questions regarding my business and gave me a lot of advice and leaflets with useful information. I was informed that there was an NHS scheme running and as a life coach I would be eligible for it. This meant that I was entitled to 12 1 hour sessions with a business advisor as well as access to any other events or seminars that were held by the NHS as part of the scheme. (There are a huge number of schemes available and they do try their hardest to match you and your business to on of them.)

In addition, I was informed that there were a number of seminars/workshops that I could attend for free. Some of these include Introduction to Business, Effective Business Planning, Understanding Accounts, as well as a few others. There are also a few more that I can attend at a cost; however the most expensive is £30. These include Assertiveness and Effective Communication Skills, Successful Selling, Raising Finance, to name a few.

For a full list of the courses available go to http://www.enfieldenterpriseagency.co.uk/

Once I was entered onto the NHS scheme I was allocated a business advisor. Again she gave me lots of advice and contacts and gave me a draft business plan to complete. When I was ready to register as self employed, my business advisor completed my form for me and Enterprise Enfield sent it off to the Inland Revenue. It’s not a particularly difficult form to complete, but it was nice to have someone else who does this everyday complete it for me. One less thing for me to think and stress about!

I recently attended the Introduction to Business workshop and I found it really useful. It makes you think about whether or not going to business is really what you want to do. It highlights the highs and lows of running your own business but also dispels all the negative news you hear about starting your own business! It briefly covers tax and national insurance as well as what is required in a business plan. (There are more specific workshops available on writing your business plan as well as tax, VAT and national insurance and workshops targeted at women)

Did you know that there are free workshops run by the Inland Revenue covering self employment, self assessment and 12 other courses? I was not aware of this until yesterday. So if you’re anything like me and just mentioning the word tax makes you break into a cold sweat, check out the Inland Revenue website - http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/  or call the revelant helpline to find nearest workshop.

I have found that these workshops are also an excellent way to network as there are people wanting to setup in various businesses, everyone is at a different stage in setting up their business and everyone is friendly and willing to share their knowledge and advice.

As well as Enterprise Enfield workshops, there are a number of workshops/talks held there that are put on by the North London Chamber of Commerce - http://www.nlcc.co.uk, the North London Enterprise Club - http://www.nlec.co.uk/ and various networks such as the Women’s Business Network, the eBusiness Network and the Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority Network

Last week I attended a Business Link networking event in London (I will write a separate blog on this). Upon my arrival I was welcomed by a Business Link advisor. I was asked some information about my business and was told that as I had now started my business I was now entitled to use the resources offered by Business Link. He took my business card and said someone would contact me to arrange a consultation. The event was on Thursday, they called me on Friday morning and I have a consultation booked for Monday. Pretty efficient I thought. I will let you know how that goes.

If you have not been to the Business Link website - http://www.businesslink.gov.uk-  it is definitely worth taking a look or giving them a call – 0845 600 9 006.

If you are based in North London or the surrounding areas (there was a lady at the workshop from Chingford) it is also worth contacting Enterprise Enfield - http://www.enfieldenterpriseagency.co.uk/ - Tel: 020-8443 5457 Email: info@EnterpriseEnfield.org

I will be adding the any links and information for any sites or organisations I come across or that might be useful in my Personal Development Network group here on Shell LiveWIRE.

I hope you found this blog useful. If so please add a comment.

Thanks for reading.

Leanne Lindsey - LL Coaching

Inspiring and motivating you to achieve your dreams and reach your full potential, creating a life that is full of balance and fulfilment.