Networks and Links
There are a number of organisations giving free business advice in Oxfordshire. These are listed below:
Oxfordshire Business Enterprise. This Enterprise Agency, based in Banbury, provides business advice to start-up businesses. It is free and confidential, similar to TBAC. It differs in that the advisors are not experienced in running small businesses, rather they are retired directors of large corporates, or retired bank managers. Like TBAC the advisors and directors are unpaid. Unlike TBAC, OBE is funded by the public sector. For basic start-up advice they are excellent.
Oxfordshire Enterprise Hub. This organisation gives free help and support, including mentoring, to any knowledge based business with innovative products and services and growth potential. The service is fully funded by the public sector.
Businesslink. Businesslink is the national brand for all government help and support for business. Their website is generally excellent. Since government funding for small businesses is limited, the main remit of Businesslink is to direct you to where you can get help. In Oxfordshire the local Businesslink additionally offer free seminars to anyone starting a business, and they will send out a paid advisor for a one-off free visit to assess your business and explain how to use the Businesslink services.
TBAC has strong connections with other organisations which can benefit your business.
Oxfordshire Towns Chamber Network. This is an informal group of 24 Oxfordshire based business member organisations. Each member organisation brings their members together in various ways, and this is an opportunity for business networking. Some of the member organisations do not charge for membership. Some of those that do charge will give good discounts for any new member recommended from TBAC.
Federation of Small Businesses. The FSB is a national membership organisation which lobbies for support for small businesses. The local group is quite active. Membership costs from £120 pa and that can be recouped by the discount packages that they offer on for example Insurance, health care, legal benefits, and free banking.
Other Networks. There are numerous networking groups operating in Oxfordshire. A list is available on www.otcn.co.uk/events_network.htm and this is by no means definitive.