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West Dunbartonshire Council
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A -Z of Services
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Business Advice

Listed below are useful contacts from organisations that may be able to assist you in various aspects of setting up and running your business.

Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS)

  • Aims to improve organisations and working life through better employment relations

  • Provides up to date independent advice

 

Business Gateway

  • Main office for Business Gateway Dunbartonshire, located next to the new Clydebank College.

  • Free advice and workshops on setting up and growing a business.

  • Assistance with writing  business plans, as well as marketing, keeping financial records and Ebusiness advice.

  • Other office locations at: Dumbarton, Helensburgh, Kirkintilloch and Milngavie.

 

Chamber of Commerce

  • Local Chamber of Commerce for West and East Dunbartonshire

  • For business people to meet and network (membership fee applies)

  • Provides benefits to local businesses including practical help and support and mentoring

 

Clydebank College

  • Range of courses for full-time and part-time students

  • Campus in Dumbarton

  • Strong links with local businesses

  • Conference facilities available and bespoke training programmes

 

Developing Strathclyde Ltd (DSL)

  • Loans for small businesses and social enterprises with no security

  • For start-up and growth businesses and social enterprises

  • Loans available from £5000 to £30,000

 

Federation of Small Businesses

  • Largest organisation representing small & medium sized businesses

  • Campaigns to protect interests of self-employed

  • 24/7 legal helpline

 

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

  • Formed after merger of Inland Revenue and HM Customs and Excise

  • Goverment department to ensure correct taxes are paid at the right time

  • Advice on paying VAT and National Insurance contributions

 

Job Centre Plus

  • Aswell as advertising vacancies, jobcentres can also advise businesses on:

  • Recruitment methods

  • Information on current labour markets

  • Advice on local recruitment events

 

NetRegs

  • Free environmental advice for small and medium sized businesses

  • Advice on how to comply with environmental law

 

Princes Scottish Youth Business Trust

  • Organisation to encourage and support young people aged 18-25 to set up in business

  • Help to source funding for business start-ups

  • Aftercare service

 

Scottish Enterprise

  • Funded by Scottish Government

  • Scotland's main economic development agency

  • Work with businesses in the private and public sector