Our favourite small business resources

When it comes to running a small business, you have to be resourceful and inventive. And of course, if you want to stand out from the crowd, you have to be really good at what you do.

But even if you're smashing it, there are probably areas of business you could do with some help on. Whether you're a business veteran or a fresh new start-up, having access to reliable small business resources is invaluable.

There are many great small business resources available, specifically designed to help the little guy.

We've rounded up a few of the best resources that offer help and advice for SMEs. They're in no particular order, as we think they're all useful. In fact, we'd recommend them all.

Guardian Small Business Network 

In general, The Guardian website is an excellent resource, whatever you're looking for. But its Small Business Network is particularly good. Blog posts and news stories are available to everyone, and there are loads more resources and information available if you sign up to join the network.

Registered users get the added benefits of live Q&A sessions with industry experts, email newsletters, strategic business thinking, and a 50% discount on a Guardian subscription. The best bit is, it's free to join.

Sage 

Sage provide accountancy and payroll software. Although you do have to pay for these, they're incredibly useful for slightly larger businesses, or those with several employees.

Their guides and templates section is full of useful info and free templates related to money matters. Sage's business blog covers current news stories relevant to small businesses. And if you want to swot up on all things finance, their extensive glossary is well worth a look.

Start Up Donut 

Start Up Donut specialise in offering advice and news stories to help new businesses. However, we think the information they provide is valuable, no matter how long you've been in business.

As well as their interesting blog, Start Up Donut provides a directory of local business experts, vouchers and freebies to spend on business essentials, and a large library of business tools.

There are also several other 'Donut' websites too: IT, law, finance, and marketing.

Federation of Small Businesses

The Federation of Small Businesses has been going strong for decades, supporting small businesses through a paid membership scheme. But there's plenty of great advice to be had for free on their website.

FSB have an excellent resource hub with reports, guides, and articles covering a broad range of subjects, from starting up a business to workplace wellbeing.

You can also watch their recorded webinars for free, which again cover a vast array of topics.

Inform Direct 

Inform Direct provide an online admin service to help run your business.

It's a legal requirement that a company's register is kept up to date, and that Companies House is made aware of any changes. Inform Direct allows you to log any changes in your business, such as the change of name or address of a shareholder. It then automatically updates your company register and inform Companies House if necessary.

It can even help you submit your annual returns, as any relevant changes throughout the year will have been automatically registered, leaving you with much less to do.

Local business networks  

Although your clients may be UK-wide, there's no harm in networking with businesses locally. It can provide a valuable opportunity to see how your neighbours are doing things, especially if there's something in your local area that is affecting your business.

Your local Chamber of Commerce is a good place to start. They often organise events to provide local businesses the chance to network. They can also offer help and support, as well as representing the interests of local business to local or national government if necessary.

It's also worth doing some research to see if there are any business groups set up in your local area. And if there's not, why not start one?

A helping hand 

Although part of the appeal of setting up your own business is the freedom it allows, that doesn't mean you have to go it alone. If the going gets tough, don't struggle in silence. Seek advice from a professional advisor and other business owners.

And if you've got some advice that you think would benefit others, don't keep it to yourself. Create your own blog or network for sharing advice and ideas. The possibilities are endless.

We don't mean to blow our own trumpet, but our own advice, news, and know-how hub should also be added to your list of great small business resources. Business insurance is our thing, but it's not all insurance-related. There are plenty of helpful articles aimed at helping small businesses, freelancers, charities, and clubs thrive.

If you do want to talk business insurance, we have a whole team of experts eager to help. Just call us on 0345 222 5391.

Image under license from Shutterstock.